Patent ID: 7623225

Claim:
A photometer including: a. a base unit having: (1) a detector; (2) a light transmitter directing light from a transmitter input end toward the detector; and (3) a socket extending inwardly from an outer surface of the base unit, the socket being situated adjacent the transmitter input end; b. a modular lighting unit having: (1) a communications end configured to be complementarily received within the socket of the base unit; (2) an emitter end adjacent the communications end, the emitter end including a light emitter aligned to emit light outwardly from the emitter end toward the light transmitter when the communications end is received within the socket of the base unit; wherein the modular lighting unit is removable from, and replaceable within, the socket of the base unit; c. a pedestal whereupon a specimen being situated, the pedestal being: (1) situated on one of the base unit and the modular lighting unit; (2) at least partially transparent; (3) aligned with the light transmitter at least when the communications end of the modular lighting unit is received within the socket of the base unit, wherein the pedestal transmits light provided by the specimen to the light transmitter.