Patrick E O'Rourke

US Patent:

59531185, Sep 14, 1999

Filed:

Mar 13, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/042432

Inventors:

Patrick E. O'Rourke - Martinez GA
William R. Toole - Aiken SC

Assignee:

Equitech Int'l Corporation - Aiken SC

International Classification:

G01J 328

US Classification:

356326

Abstract:

A multiplexed spectrophotometry apparatus, including a rotary multiplexer fitted with a plurality of fiber terminals, a spectrophotometer mounted to the multiplexer and rotatable therewith, and a programmable on-board computer. The spectrophotometer includes precision optics, a charge coupled device (CCD) detector, electronics, and a cooling system, all contained in a compact, streamlined housing that is shaped to promote the radiation of heat from the spectrophotometer and thereby prevent excessive heating during operation of the apparatus. The spectrophotometer is mounted directly to the multiplexer so that any selected terminal can readily be brought into precise, reproducible alignment with the spectrophotometer input. All components of the apparatus are contained in a compact housing adapted for either rack-mounted or bench-top use.

US Patent:

51317460, Jul 21, 1992

Filed:

Jan 22, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/643316

Inventors:

Patrick E. O'Rourke - Martinez GA
David R. Van Hare - Aiken SC
William S. Prather - Augusta GA

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United States
Department of Energy - Washington DC

International Classification:

G01J 342
G01N 2105

US Classification:

356319

Abstract:

An on-line, fiber-optic based apparatus for monitoring the concentration of a chemical substance at a plurality of locations in a chemical processing system comprises a plurality of probes, each of which is at a different location in the system, a light source, optic fibers for carrying light to and from the probes, a multiplexer for switching light from the source from one probe to the next in series, a diode array spectrophotometer for producing a spectrum from the light received from the probes, and a computer programmed to analyze the spectra so produced. The probes allow the light to pass through the chemical substance so that a portion of the light is absorbed before being returned to the multiplexer. A standard and a reference cell are included for data validation and error checking.

US Patent:

52984281, Mar 29, 1994

Filed:

Oct 7, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/957133

Inventors:

Patrick E. O'Rourke - Martinez GA
David R. Van Hare - Aiken SC

Assignee:

United States Department of Energy - Washington DC

International Classification:

G01N 2100

US Classification:

436171

Abstract:

A method for measuring the concentration of a chemical substance by spectrophotometry comprising the steps of placing a sample of a photoreactive substance between the light source and a spectrophotometer, obtaining an absorption spectrum of the substance using a fixed amount of light from the light source, obtaining a second absorption spectrum after a short interval, comparing the two to determine the concentration of the chemical substance from the difference in the spectra. If the chemical substance is not photoreactive, a photoreactive mixture can be made with a photoreactive dye that has photoreactive properties unique to the mixture. Alternatively, an optically transparent substrate can absorb the substance or the dye/substance mixture.

US Patent:

53350677, Aug 2, 1994

Filed:

Sep 29, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/953042

Inventors:

William S. Prather - Augusta GA
Patrick E. O'Rourke - Martinez GA

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United States
Department of Energy - Washington DC

International Classification:

G01N 2105
G01N 2159

US Classification:

356436

Abstract:

A support structure bearing at least one probe for making spectrophotometric measurements of a fluid using a source of light and a spectrophotometer. The probe includes a housing with two optical fibers and a planoconvex lens. A sleeve bearing a mirror surrounds the housing. The lens is separated from the mirror by a fixed distance, defining an interior space for receiving a volume of the fluid sample. A plurality of throughholes extending through the sleeve communicate between the sample volume and the exterior of the probe, all but one hole bearing a screen. A protective jacket surrounds the probe. A hollow conduit bearing a tube is formed in the wall of the probe for venting any air in the interior space when fluid enters. The probe is held at an acute angle so the optic fibers carrying the light to and from the probe are not bent severely on emergence from the probe.

US Patent:

56503318, Jul 22, 1997

Filed:

Oct 3, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/770388

Inventors:

Betty S. Jorgensen - Jemez Springs NM
Howard L. Nekimken - Los Alamos NM
W. Patrick Carey - Lynnwood WA
Patrick E. O'Rourke - Martinez GA

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United States
Department of Energy - Washington DC

International Classification:

G01N 2100

US Classification:

436163

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for determining acid concentrations in solutions having acid concentrations of from about 0. 1 Molar to about 16 Molar is disclosed. The apparatus includes a chamber for interrogation of the sample solution, a fiber optic light source for passing light transversely through the chamber, a fiber optic collector for receiving the collimated light after transmission through the chamber, a coating of an acid resistant polymeric composition upon at least one fiber end or lens, the polymeric composition in contact with the sample solution within the chamber and having a detectable response to acid concentrations within the range of from about 0. 1 Molar to about 16 Molar, a measurer for the response of the polymeric composition in contact with the sample solution, and, a comparer of the measured response to predetermined standards whereby the acid molarity of the sample solution within the chamber can be determined. Preferably, a first lens is attached to the end of the fiber optic light source, the first lens adapted to collimate light from the fiber optic light source, and a second lens is attached to the end of the fiber optic collector for focusing the collimated light after transmission through the chamber.

US Patent:

62052721, Mar 20, 2001

Filed:

Feb 27, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/032073

Inventors:

Patrick E. O'Rourke - Martinez GA
William R. Toole - Aiken SC

Assignee:

Equitech Int'l Corp. - Aiken SC

International Classification:

G02B 632

US Classification:

385 33

Abstract:

A fiber optic probe for ATIR (Attenuated Total Internal Reflection) spectrophotometry. The probe includes a housing that contains an optical element or lens, a light-transmitting fiber that directs incident light to the lens, a light-receiving fiber that receives reflected light from the sample interface, a coupler for holding these components in precise alignment, and a flexible armor casing that provides strain relief and protection for the optical fibers. The lens is shaped and dimensioned so that light from the transmitting fiber is reflected at the interface between the lens and the surrounding medium (such as a liquid to be analyzed). The reflected light is transmitted via the transmitting fiber to a suitable spectrophotometer, where the light signal is recorded and analyzed to determine the composition of the sample. The probe is particularly suitable for analyses of fluids and slurries with high optical absorbance.

US Patent:

57746109, Jun 30, 1998

Filed:

Jul 8, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/676432

Inventors:

Patrick E. O'Rourke - Martinez GA
William R. Toole - Aiken SC

Assignee:

Equitech Int'l Corporation - Aiken SC

International Classification:

G02B 626

US Classification:

385 52

Abstract:

A fiber optic probe and optical coupler assembly for light scattering measurements, and a method for making the assembly and aligning a plurality of optical fibers therein. The probe includes a probe body with a window across its tip for protecting the interior, at least one light-transmitting fiber, at least one light-receiving fiber, and (if desired), in-line devices such as filters and lenses positioned in optical communication with the fibers. A fiber optic coupler maintains the relative alignment of the fibers, which can be cut to install filters and other in-line devices. The coupler allows the cut ends to be re-aligned quickly and accurately without the need for time-consuming procedures or costly precision alignment equipment. The probe is simple, rugged, requires no high-precision machining or optical alignment procedures in assembly, and is economical to manufacture.

US Patent:

59785349, Nov 2, 1999

Filed:

Feb 27, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/031521

Inventors:

Patrick E. O'Rourke - Martinez GA
William R. Toole - Aiken SC

Assignee:

Equitech Int'l Corporation - Aiken SC

International Classification:

G02B 626

US Classification:

385 52

Abstract:

A fiber optic Raman probe and optical coupler assembly, and a method for making the assembly and reproducibly aligning a plurality of optical fibers therein. The probe includes a housing or probe body, a probe tip with a window for protecting the interior of the housing, at least one light-transmitting fiber, at least one light-receiving fiber spaced apart from the light-transmitting fiber, an optical coupler, and (if desired), in-line devices such as filters and lenses positioned in optical communication with the fibers. The coupler assembly includes aligning means that helps maintain the fibers in precise, reproducible relative alignment of the fibers; thus, the assembly with the fibers can be cut to install filters and other in-line devices, then readily re-assembled with the cut ends accurately re-aligned, for use. The probe is simple and rugged, and can be manufactured and assembled without the need for high-precision machining or optical alignment procedures.