Mobile smart device infrared light measuring apparatus, πmethod, and system for analyzing substances

• US 9,217,706 B2
• Filed: 06/28/2013
• Issued: 12/22/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/2012
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Quick, LLC
• Original Assignee: Quick, LLC
• Inventors: Mucci, David Anthony, Clark, Ronald Gary Jr., Fox, James Scott
• Primary Examiner(s): Sung, Christine
• Application Number:
  US13/929,882
• Publication Number:
  US 20140027641A1
• Time in Patent Office: 907 Days
• Field of Search: 250/339.07
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0075 by spectroscopy, i.e. measuring spectra, e.g. Raman spectroscopy, infrared absorption spectroscopy A61B5/0071 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14552 Details of sensors specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/0272 Handheld
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/03 Cuvette constructions
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/3577 for analysing liquids, e.g. polluted water
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/359 using near infrared light

Abstract

A handheld infrared spectroscopy device and method of use. The device is a hand-held spectroscopy device, that may be integral to a mobile phone or smart device such as a smart phone, tablet, personal digital assistant, computer or other device that is portable and capable of performing applications. A liquid sample port internal to the device and in close proximity to the device spectrometer performs infrared spectra analysis on liquid samples, allowing both portability as well as highly sophisticated and specific spectral analysis of liquid samples. The device has wireless communication capability, enabling transmission of data and spectral imagery across the globe.

Claims

1. A method for determining a concentration of one or more compounds in a liquid sample, comprising:

placing the liquid sample on a sample tray,

inserting the sample tray into a sample test port housed in a handheld device containing an infrared spectrometer, the infrared spectrometer including;

an infrared light source and an infrared receiver positioned at opposite sides of the sample tray,

an infrared calibration emitter and an infrared calibration receiver positioned at opposite sides of the sample tray;

directing infrared light from the infrared light source at the sample and collecting the transmitted infrared light by the infrared receiver, thereby obtaining a sample spectrum;

directing infrared light from the infrared calibration emitter and collecting the transmitted infrared light by the infrared calibration receiver, thereby obtaining a calibration spectrum; and

determining the presence or concentration of one or more compounds in the liquid sample based on a comparison between the sample spectrum and the calibration spectrum.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the directed infrared light has a wavelength range of about 650 nm to about 15000 nm.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the directed infrared light has a near-IR wavelength range of about 650 nm to about 3000 nm.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the directed infrared light has a mid-IR wavelength range of about 3000 nm to about 8000 nm.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising performing a calibration of the handheld device.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising displaying the presence or concentration of the one or more compounds as spectral data and/or imagery on the handheld device.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising transmitting the presence or concentration of the one or more compounds via wireless communication network to one or more other devices.