초록 ▼

A method and apparatus is disclosed for detecting the presence of particulate matter in liquids intended for pharmaceutical use, for example liquid contained in vials, flasks or ampoules. The method involves mechanically imparting to the vial or flask a rotary motion and then suddenly stopping it. A

A method and apparatus is disclosed for detecting the presence of particulate matter in liquids intended for pharmaceutical use, for example liquid contained in vials, flasks or ampoules. The method involves mechanically imparting to the vial or flask a rotary motion and then suddenly stopping it. Any particles contained in the liquid will continue to move, and will be illuminated by a number of parallel light beams of laser light, which are caused to pass through the liquid. Laser light diffused by particles in the liquid is converted into an electrical signal by a photomultiplier. The signal from the photomultiplier is amplified, filtered, and compared with a reference signal. The apparatus has a number of mandrel/chuck units which each impart a rotary motion to one container. At a second location, the light from a He-Ne laser is conveyed through optical fibers in the form of several parallel beams through each container, illuminated from below through a plurality of holes in the bottom of the mandrel. The laser light diffused by the particles is detected by a photomultiplier, whose signal is processed by an electronic circuit to indicate those vials containing particulate matter.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for detecting particulate matter suspended in a liquid, which liquid is contained in a flask, comprising: a unit for rotation of the flask about an axis of rotation, comprising cooperating chuck and mandrel members for grasping the flask and a motor mechanically connected to the mandrel

An apparatus for detecting particulate matter suspended in a liquid, which liquid is contained in a flask, comprising: a unit for rotation of the flask about an axis of rotation, comprising cooperating chuck and mandrel members for grasping the flask and a motor mechanically connected to the mandrel member for providing and stopping rotation of the flask about said axis, said mandrel having a plurality of holes therethrough; a laser beam source; a fiber optic bundle positioned to transmit laser light from the source to the holes in the mandrel, such that a plurality of columns of laser light are transmitted through the flask and generally parallel to said axis; a photomultiplier positioned with respect to the flask for detection of laser light diffused generally radially away from said axis by particulate matter passing through the columns of laser light and for generating an electrical signal reflective of the light detected; and indication means, connected to receive the electrical signal from the photomultiplier, for indicating when particulate matter has been detected.