IR analysis system

• US 20040011961A1
• Filed: 05/12/2003
• Published: 01/22/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/22/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: The Automation Partnership (Cambridge) Ltd. (Sartorius AG)
• Original Assignee: Automation Partnership Limited A British Company of York Way
• Inventors: Platt, Alan Graham, Paley, Matthew Thomas
• Application Number:
  US10/435,556
• Publication Number:
  US 20040011961A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 250/339.07
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/35 using infrared light G01N21/39 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/3577 for analysing liquids, e.g. polluted water
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/90 in a container or its contents G01N21/91 takes precedence

Abstract

An infra-red analysis system is provided for analysing samples disposed in transparent or translucent containers. The system comprises: an infra-red light source; a container locating device for locating a container in a known position relative to the infra-red light source, a spectrometer disposed to receive infra-red light from the containers, means for reading the identity of a container, means for transmitting spectra recorded by the spectrometer to a database, means for recording the spectra and the identity of the container in the database in a record; and means for comparing spectra recorded by the spectrometer with a previously recorded spectrum for the same container.

Claims

1. An infra-red analysis system for analysing samples disposed in transparent or translucent containers, the system comprising:

an infra-red light source;

a container locating device for locating a container in a known position relative to the infra-red light source,

a spectrometer disposed to receive infra-red light from the containers, means for reading the identity of a container,

means for transmitting spectra recorded by the spectrometer to a database,

means for recording the spectra and the identity of the container in the database in a record; and

means for comparing spectra recorded by the spectrometer with a previously recorded spectrum for the same container.

2. An infra-red analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the container locating device causes the tube to be rotated while maintaining its position relative to the infra-red light source.

3. An infra-red analysis system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the container is a microtube.

4. An infra-red system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the container is a culture plate.

5. An infra-red system according to claim 1, wherein the spectrometer is disposed to receive light transmitted by the container.

6. An infra-red system according to claim 1, wherein the spectrometer is disposed to receive light reflected by the container.