초록 ▼

The specification discloses a portable spectrophotometer (10) providing improved movement and control of the sample (S) during analysis. The unit (10) includes a base (12) and an upper assembly (14) supported on the base (12) for floating movement. Both a spectral measurement engine (20) and drive r

The specification discloses a portable spectrophotometer (10) providing improved movement and control of the sample (S) during analysis. The unit (10) includes a base (12) and an upper assembly (14) supported on the base (12) for floating movement. Both a spectral measurement engine (20) and drive rollers (104) are contained within the upper assembly. The base (12) includes independently suspended idler rollers (16), and the drive rollers (104) engage the idler wheels (16), so that at least a portion of the weight of the upper assembly (14) is borne by the engaging drive rollers (104) and idler rollers (16). The upper assembly (14) therefore floats up and down with samples (S) of varying thickness moving between the rollers (104 and 16). Additional upstream idler rollers (18 and 24) on the base and the upper assembly engage one another and bear a portion of the weight of the upper assembly (14) to create tension in opposition to the drive rollers (104) to hold the sample (S) taut. A planar media guide (130) is located on the underside of the upper assembly (14) and surrounds the spectral engine (20) to engage the sample (S) and reduce flexing and bowing of the sample (S). A manually actuated backer (30) is supported by the base (12) to selectively present to the spectral engine (20) one of two areas (52a and 52b) with different reflective properties. The unit (10) may include a first light source (21) in the spectral engine and a second light source (60) in the backer (30) so that the spectrophotometer (10) is capable of both reflective and transmissive analysis.

대표청구항 ▼

[The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [1.]an upper assembly including an underside, a color measurement engine for analyzing a sample located under said underside, and a plurality of driven rollers projecting at least partia

[The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [1.]an upper assembly including an underside, a color measurement engine for analyzing a sample located under said underside, and a plurality of driven rollers projecting at least partially from said underside for engaging and moving the sample; anda base including a plurality of idler rollers and suspension means for independently resiliently suspending at least selected ones of said idler rollers for downward movement under a load, said idler rollers being aligned with and engaging said driven rollers to at least partially support said upper assembly on said base, whereby said idler rollers can individually deflect to accommodate samples of varying thickness moving between said driven and idler rollers and to otherwise enhance engagement of said driven and idler rollers.