Particle detection system and method
First Claim
1. An apparatus for detecting particles, comprising:
- a passage through which particles to be detected travel;
a detector assembly through which the passage passes; and
an analyzer in communication with the detector assembly, wherein the detector assembly comprises at least one excitation source and a plurality of off-axis ellipsoidal mirrors all having a common first focus coincident with a portion of the passage and each having a distinct second focus, each of the mirrors being arranged along a circumference of a circle whose center is penetrated by the passage such that the mirrors surround the passage.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for detecting particles. A flow tube is surrounded by eight off-axis ellipsoidal mirrors all having a common first focus coincident with a portion of the flow tube and each having a distinct second focus. In one embodiment, sources of radiation are arranged coincident with exit ports in the mirrors that are also coincident with the respective distinct second foci. These radiation sources are momentarily energized in sequence (or simultaneously), causing light to illuminate a corresponding ellipsoidal mirror. This light strikes the common first focus within a portion of the flow tube. Any particles within the first focus will then scatter the light, and depending upon the source wavelength and the particle, may also provide some amount of fluorescence. This energy is captured by detectors and analyzed to determine the type, size and quantity of particles at the first focus.
65 Citations
37 Claims
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1. An apparatus for detecting particles, comprising:
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a passage through which particles to be detected travel;
a detector assembly through which the passage passes; and
an analyzer in communication with the detector assembly, wherein the detector assembly comprises at least one excitation source and a plurality of off-axis ellipsoidal mirrors all having a common first focus coincident with a portion of the passage and each having a distinct second focus, each of the mirrors being arranged along a circumference of a circle whose center is penetrated by the passage such that the mirrors surround the passage. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An apparatus for detecting particles by observing fluorescent radiation, comprising:
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eight ellipsoidal mirrors surrounding a flow tube through which particles to be detected travel, all of the mirrors having a common first focus coincident with a portion of the flow tube, and each having a distinct second focus on a respective exit port at which is arranged at least one optical sensor; and
at least one excitation source, wherein when the excitation source irradiates the portion of the flow tube with particles traveling therein radiant energy generated by such particles is focused on the respective exit ports that surround the flow tube. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A method of detecting particles, comprising the steps of:
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passing a fluid containing particles to be detected past a plurality of off-axis ellipsoidal mirrors that surround in a substantially circular fashion a passage through which the fluid passes, the ellipsoidal mirrors all having a common first focus and each having a distinct second focus that is coincident with an exit port through respective ellipsoidal mirrors;
momentarily energizing a plurality of excitation sources surrounding the passage thereby causing light to illuminate a corresponding ellipsoidal mirror and thereby irradiate the fluid at the common first focus;
detecting scattering and fluorescence energy generated by the particles; and
processing the scattering and fluorescence energy and determining at least one of a type, a size and a quantity of the particles at the common first focus. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. A method of detecting particles, comprising the steps of:
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arranging a plurality of off-axis ellipsoidal mirrors around a fluid passageway, all of the mirrors having a common first focus coincident with a portion of the fluid passageway, and each having a distinct second focus coincident with a distinct exit port;
co-locating a plurality of radiation sources at at least two of the exit ports;
causing a fluid to be passed through the fluid passageway;
momentarily energizing in sequence the radiation sources thereby causing light to illuminate a corresponding mirror and thereby irradiate the fluid in the fluid passageway;
detecting scattering and fluorescence energy generated by at least one of the fluid and particles within the fluid; and
processing the scattering and fluorescence energy and determining at least one of a type, a size and a quantity of particles being carried by the fluid. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37)
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Specification