Sensor for spectral analyzer for living tissues

• US 4,548,505 A
• Filed: 04/19/1982
• Issued: 10/22/1985
• Est. Priority Date: 04/22/1981
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries Limited (Sumitomo Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries Limited (Sumitomo Corporation)
• Inventors: Ono, Kimizo
• Primary Examiner(s): McGraw, Vincent P.
• Application Number:
  US06/369,767
• Time in Patent Office: 1,282 Days
• Field of Search: 356/373, 356/375, 356/445, 128/6, 128/7, 128/8, 128/634, 128/4, 128/664, 128/665, 128/666, 128/667
• US Class Current: 356/445
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1455 using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6843 Monitoring or controlling sensor contact pressure
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/8507 Probe photometers, i.e. with optical measuring part dipped into fluid sample

Abstract

A sensor for a spectral analyzer includes a relatively movable holder and probe, where the probe is fitted with a reflector, and the holder is provided with a pair of adjacent optical fibers for transmitting/receiving light. When the probe abuts the surface of the object to be measured, the probe and holder move relatively so that the fiber pair approach the reflector. A switch activating the analyzer for data collection is operated in response to the change in reflected light intensity caused by the relative movement.

Claims

1. A sensor for a spectral analyzer for living tissues comprising;

a holder, a bundle of fibers held in position in said holder and connected to the analyzer, a probe including a reflector fitted to an end thereof, said probe being axially movable by a predetermined distance with respect to said holder, a light transmitting/receiving fiber connected to a switch circuit of said analyzer, and a spring positioned between said holder and said probe for urging said reflector away from a tip of the light transmitting/receiving fiber, said switch being actuated so as to be turned on in response to a decrease in the intensity of the light reflected into said fiber due to a decrease in a distance between said tip of the light transmitting/receiving fiber and said reflector.

2. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein said light transmitting/receiving fiber comprises a pair of adjacent fibers adjacent said bundle of fibers.

3. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein said light transmitting/receiving fiber comprises a pair of adjacent fibers incorporated in said bundle of fibers.

4. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein said switch circuit comprises a photoelectric device for converting received light into a current, and amplifier means for converting said current into a voltage signal, said switch being operated in response to changes in said voltage signal.

5. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein said light transmitting/receiving fiber comprises a single fiber having a branch, and a half-mirror disposed at the branch.

6. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein said end of said probe fitted with said reflector faces an end of said holder.

7. The sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein said end of said probe fitted with said reflector faces an intermediate portion of said holder containing ends of said transmitting/receiving fiber.