Handheld characteristic analyzer.

(54) Title: HAND CHARACTERISTIC ANALYZER. (54) Title: HANDHELD CHARACTERISTIC ANALYZER.

(57) Summary

A portable handheld characteristics analyzer (300) is disclosed for analyzing chemical compositions in real time or near real time. Analyzer (300) may include a portable housing (304), at least one optical computing device (312) disposed within the portable housing (304) for monitoring a sample (310), said at least one optical computing device (312). ) has at least one integrated computational element configured to optically interact with the sample (310) and thus generate optically interacted light, at least one detector (212, 216; 420) arranged to receive the optically interacted light and generate an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the sample (310), and a signal processor (304) communicatively coupled to said at least one detector (212, 216; 420) To receive the output signal, the signal processor 314 is configured to determine the sample characteristic 310 and provide a resulting output signal indicative of the sample characteristic 310.

(57) Abstract

Disclosed is a portable handheld characteristic analyzer (300) used to analyze Chemical compositions in or near realtime. The analyzer (300) may inelude a portable housing (304), at least one optical computing device (312) arranged within the portable housing (304) for monitoring a sample (310), the at least one optical computing device (312) having at least one integrated computational element contigured to optically interact with the sample (310) and thereby generate optically interacted light, at least one detector (212, 216; 420) arranged to receive the optically interacted light and generate an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the sample (310), and a signal processor (314) communicably coupled to the at least one detector (212, 216; 420) for receiving the output signal, the signal processor (314) being configured to determine the characteristic of the sample (310) and provide a resulting output signal indicative of the characteristic of the sample (310).

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PATENT TITLE NO. 340342 _SE_

SECMTAMA DI KOKOMU.

Mexican Institute of Industrial Property

Owner (s): HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.

Address: 10200 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, Texas, 77072, USA

Denomination: HAND CHARACTERISTIC ANALYZER. Classification:

Inventor (s):

lnt.CI.8: G01J3 / 02; G01J3 / 28; G01J3 / 32; G01N21 / 31; G01N21 / 55; G01N21 / 94; G06E3 / 00

OLA TUNHEIM; MARSHALL EDWARD WEBSTER; ALEXIS WACHTEL II;

ROBgRT P FREESE JAMES ROBERT MACLENNAK

Number

MX / a / 201 «0Ü &amp; 175

Country:

US

Validity: Twenty-first year ^:miss Vencimi

REQUEST

Internal filing date for August 2013

PRIORITY

Date:

August 2012

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Number:

13 / 600,288 to reference patent and granted to: August 23, 2033 and foundation in articles 1, 2, fraction V, 6 fraction, and in accordance with article 23 of the Industrial Property Law, the present Patent has been issued from the filing of the International application and will be subject to rights.

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'ropldjjad Industrial.

® non-extendable years, the number of years valid for those who subscribe to the Industrial Presidency (Di 6/01/2004, 06/16/20051 item a), subsection ¡¡¡) S formed on 01/07/2006 of the Organic Statute [ / 08/2004 and 09/13/20 (f

Me does on the basis of what the artj | the Federation WQ OF) Ζ7ΛΜΠ881, reformed

06/05 / 2009,06 / 0 ^^^ j8 / 06 / ¿bl0, 28/06 ^ actions I and lll of the

84, 07/28/2004 and 09/07/2007 ^ 1

Mexican Property 'jncjso ^ al ^ aAt ^ njjlJirng. ^^^^ gü and 7th bis 2/1996, 12/26/19j

J4 / 2012); articles Spiedad Industrial (D.

Tdso a), sub Clause lll), 16 fr 712/1999, amended on 10/10/201 teleaa faculties in l &lt;

Departmental and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property. (DOF 12/15/1999, amended 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007).

the law of

05/17/1999,!, 3rd fraction V

12/14/1999, ions I and lll and 07/29/2004, is General coordinators on 02/04/2000,

Issue Date: July 5, 2016

DIVISIONAL DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EXAMINATION OF PATENT FUND, MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL AND DF AREAS RFfUSTPns ΠΕ DISFÑns INDUSTRIALES Y

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Arenal No. 550. Floor 1 Col. Pueblo Santa María Tepepar Xochimilco C P. 16020.

Mexico City

Tea!. (55) 53 34 07 00 ww.impi dCb.iTx

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MX / 2016/52639

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$ £] £ FEATURE ANALYZER &amp; frofÍoad -industrial

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to optical analysis systems and methods for analyzing chemical compositions and, in particular, handheld characteristics analyzers that are used to analyze chemical compositions in real time or near real time.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the oil and gas industry, it may be important to know precisely the chemical characteristics and compositions of fluids and substances found in and around oil refineries or other hydrocarbon processing facilities. For example, there is an increasing emphasis on reducing or otherwise preventing gaseous emissions and leaks from refineries and other processing facilities, given the environmental and health threats that such emissions can pose.

Knowing what chemical compositions are being emitted / leaked at the location and the concentration of such emissions / leaks can be helpful in efforts

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corrective to reverse or stop the undesirable effects.

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OT THE FROFIDITY

INDUSTRIAL

Detection and identification of chemical compositions

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They include, but are not limited to, the use of surface acoustic wave detectors, ion mobility spectrometers, photometric flame detectors, and the like. In surface acoustic wave detectors, the target chemicals are absorbed or adsorbed on a specific coating of a piezoelectric substrate, in order to vary its mass. The change in mass affects the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric substrate which is measured using an appropriate electronic circuit. In ion mobility spectrometers, a gas sample is ionized in an ionization region within the spectrometer,

eg, using a radioactive source, and is accelerated over a short distance to a detector. The gas sample is analyzed by measuring a characteristic flight time of negative and positive ions from the ionization region to the detector. In photometric flame detectors (FPDs), a gaseous sample is introduced into a nitrogen-rich flame and the electrons in the outer shell of atoms obtained from the target chemicals are excited to higher energy states.

When an excited electron returns to its ground state, energy is emitted in the form of light, confirming the presence of the target chemicals. Wavelength of

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The MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY the light emitted depends on the target chemical, while its

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intensity depends on the concentration of the chemical.

Portable detectors based on the above techniques are generally known. However, the techniques mentioned above have limited and selectively sensitivity in particular settings, such as in industrial settings in which. Detection and identification of chemical compositions are often carried out under less than optimal conditions. Consequently, more accurate off-line chemical composition determinations are generally conducted using retrospective laboratory analyzes, such as spectroscopic and / or wet chemistry methods, that analyze a sample drawn from the chemical composition. Although retrospective, offline scans may be successful in certain cases, they do not however allow real- time or near real- time scanning capabilities to be performed, but often require hours to days to complete the scan. During the lag time between collection and analysis, the characteristics of the sample drawn from the chemical composition often change, thus rendering the properties of the sample not indicative of the true chemical composition or characteristic.

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Reliable on-site detection of chemical compositions in real time is of utmost importance in order to monitor how detected chemical compositions change over time, thus serving as a quality control measure for processes in the which fluids and other substances are used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to optical analysis systems and methods for analyzing chemical compositions and, in particular, handheld characteristics analyzers that are used to analyze chemical compositions in real time or near real time.

In some aspects of the disclosure, a handy feature analyzer is disclosed. The analyzer may include a portable housing, at least one optical computing device disposed within the portable housing for monitoring a sample, said at least one optical computing device having at least one integrated computing element configured to optically interact with the sample and thereby way to generate optically interacted light, at least one detector arranged to receive the optically interacted light and generate an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the sample,

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and a signal processor communicatively coupled to said at least one detector to receive the output signal, the signal processor is configured to determine the sample characteristic and provide a resulting output signal indicative of the sample characteristic.

In other aspects of disclosure, a method of determining a characteristic of a sample is disclosed. The method may include directing a handheld feature analyzer to the sample, the handheld feature analyzer has at least one integrated computational element provided therein, activating the handheld feature analyzer, optically interacting in this manner said at least one computational element integrated with the sample and generating optically interacted light, receiving the light optically interacted with said at least one detector arranged within the handheld characteristics analyzer, generating an output signal corresponding to the characteristic of the sample with said at least one detector, receiving the output signal with a signal processor communicatively coupled to said at least one detector, and determine the characteristic of the sample with the signal processor.

The characteristics and advantages of the presea ^ invention

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INSTUTO.MWICANO DRIA PRORIEDAD

DRIA PRORIEDAD

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they will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the description of the preferred modalities that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present invention, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to those experienced in the field and who have the benefit of this disclosure.

Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary integrated computing element, according to one or more modalities.

Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram non-mechanically illustrating how an optical computing device distinguishes electromagnetic radiation related to one characteristic of interest from other electromagnetic radiation, according to one or more modalities.

Figures 3A and 3B illustrate the side and perspective views of an exemplary handheld feature analyzer, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE • ϊ THE PROPERTY

Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary computing optical device capable of monitoring the chemical composition of a sample and determining a characteristic thereof, according to one or more modalities.

Figure 5 illustrates another exemplary optical computing device capable of monitoring the chemical composition of a sample and determining a characteristic thereof, according to one or more modalities.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to optical analysis systems and methods for analyzing chemical compositions and, in particular, handheld characteristics analyzers that are used to analyze chemical compositions in real time or near real time.

The exemplary handheld feature analyzers described in this document, and their different alternative modalities, are capable of employing different configurations of optical computing devices, also commonly referred to as optical analytical devices, for real-time or near-real-time monitoring. chemical compositions found in fluids and other substances. In some cases, exemplary hand feature analyzers, such as

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INDUSTRIAL C 'described in this document, can be characterized as optical-analytical devices. In operation, the exemplary handheld feature analyzer can be useful and otherwise convenient in determining the presence and / or concentration of hazardous substances and / or contaminants that must exist in and around, for example, industrial equipment. For example, optical computing devices, which are described in more detail below, can conveniently provide real-time or near-real-time monitoring of chemical compositions that cannot currently be accomplished by analysis at the job site or by means of more detailed analyzes carried out in a laboratory. Furthermore, the portability of exemplary handheld feature analyzers allows a user to selectively position optical computing devices on-site or in nearby locations where more direct detection can be obtained than hazardous substances or contaminants.

A significant and distinct advantage of these optical computing devices is that they can be configured to specifically detect and / or measure a particular component or characteristic of interest of a chemical composition, such as a hazardous substance or other contaminant present in the chemical composition, allowing

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL thus enables quantitative qualitative analyzes to occur without having to extract a sample from the chemical composition and undertake time-consuming analyzes of the sample in an off-site laboratory. In some cases, devices can monitor how the presence of a hazardous or contaminating substance changes in the chemical composition based on activity undertaken in the vicinity, such as corrective efforts aimed at removing or otherwise containing the hazardous substance or contaminant.

With the ability to perform on-site, real-time or near-real-time chemical composition analysis, the exemplary handheld characteristics analyzer, and its many alternative modalities, may be able to provide a timely indication of any of the healthier or unhealthy surrounding different industrial equipment. In some cases, the handheld feature analyzer can be useful in early detection of oil leaks or leaks of other environmentally hazardous substances or materials from oil and gas equipment. Detecting hydrocarbon leaks can be useful to initiate preventive measures that stop the loss of valuable product to the surrounding environment. Furthermore, once a hazardous or polluting substance is detected in the surrounding environment,

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

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Corrective efforts can be made before environmental toxicity levels exceed a predetermined health limit, thereby exposing an operator to environmental and safety concerns, fines, unnecessary removal / correction costs, and negative publicity.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the disclosed handheld feature analyzer, and its various alternative modalities, may be suitable for use in the oil and gas industry since the described optical computing devices provide a cost effective means, Robust, and accurate for monitoring industrial equipment to facilitate efficient management of oil / gas production. It will be appreciated, however, that the disclosed handheld feature analyzer, and its various alternative modalities, are equally applicable to other fields of technology including, but not limited to, the food, medical and drug industries. , industrial applications, heavy machinery industries, mining industries, military fields, or any field where it may be convenient to determine in real or near real time the concentration or characteristic of a chemical composition in a fluid or any other substance.

For example, the handheld feature analyzer

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Exemplary can be useful in detecting cont properties of lubricating fluids from machinery or grease, hydraulic fluid from machinery, coolant, and drinking water. In other applications, the exemplary handheld feature analyzer can be useful in detecting water in gasoline or diesel fuel in machinery, or in providing rapid analysis of oil recovered from an oil well.

As used herein, the term "fluid" refers to any substance that is capable of flow, including particles of solids, liquids, gases, slurries, emulsions, powders, sludges, crystals, combinations thereof, and the like. In some embodiments, the fluid can be an aqueous fluid, including water, such as seawater, freshwater, drinking water, drinking water, or the like. In some embodiments, the fluid can be a non-aqueous fluid, including organic compounds, more specifically, hydrocarbons, petroleum, a refined component of petroleum, petrochemicals, and the like. In some embodiments, the fluid can be a treatment fluid or a formation fluid. Fluids can include different mixtures of solids, liquids and / or gases that can flow. Illustrative gases that can be considered fluids in accordance with the present embodiments include, for example, air,

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nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon, helium, methane, ethane, butane, and other hydrocarbon gases, combinations thereof and / or the like.

As used herein, the term "characteristic" refers to a chemical, mechanical, or physical property of a substance or material. A characteristic of a substance can include a quantitative value or a concentration of one or more chemical components present in it. Such chemical components may be referred to herein as analytes. Illustrative characteristics of a substance that can be monitored with the optical computing devices disclosed in this document may include, for example, the chemical composition (eg, identity and concentration in total or of individual components), content of impurities, pH, viscosity, density, ionic resistance, total dissolved solids, salt content, porosity, opacity, bacteria content, combinations thereof, and the like.

As used in this document, the terms hazardous substance, and contaminant, and variations thereof, are used interchangeably in this document and refer to a material or material of interest to be evaluated using the handheld characteristics analyzer ( that is, with optical computing devices

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INDUSTRIAL arranged in the same) described in this document. In some embodiments, the hazardous substance is the characteristic of interest, as defined above, and can include any contaminating fluid or substance emitted from or otherwise associated with industrial equipment or machinery. In other embodiments, the dangerous substance may simply be an undesirable substance, but not necessarily a substance that would be considered dangerous in itself. For example, the hazardous substance may include non-hazardous analytes such as, but not limited to, nitrogen and helium, and may also include leak detection and screening compounds or inks that are used in testing operations.

In one or more embodiments, the hazardous substance may include chemicals such as BTEX compounds (i.e., benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), naphthalene, styrene, sulfur compounds, hexane, hydrocarbons, liquefiable hydrocarbons, barium, boron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, magnesium alloys, phosphorus, potassium compounds, zinc, zinc alloys, copper, lead, tin, nickel, silver, molybdenum alloys, titanium alloys, combinations thereof, and any combination thereof. In other modalities, the

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO DI LA PROPIEUAÍ ',. -I. ,_{η £} INDUSTRIAL hazardous substance may include or otherwise refer to paraffins, waxes, asphaltenes, aromatics, saturates, foams, salts, bacteria, combinations thereof, and the like. In still other embodiments, the hazardous substance may include compounds containing elements such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, barium, calcium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, iron, strontium, chlorine.

In other aspects, the hazardous substance may include any substance used in well operations such as, but not limited to, acids, acid-generating compounds, bases, base-generating compounds, biocides, surfactants, scale inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors, gelling agents, crosslinking agents, anti-mud agents, foaming agents, defoaming agents, antifoaming agents, emulsifying agents, demulsifying agents, iron control agents, proppants or other particles, etches, particle deviators, salts, fluid loss control additives, gases, catalysts, clay control agents, chelating agents, corrosion inhibitors, dispersants, flocculants, eliminators (eg, eliminators from H₂S, C0 eliminators₂ o eliminators₂), lubricants,

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breakers, delayed release breakers,

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO • E PROPERTY friction reducers, bridging agents, viscosifying agents, densifying agents, solubilizers, rheology control agents, viscosity modifiers, pH control agents (eg, regulators), hydrate inhibitors, relative permeability modifiers, diverting agents, consolidating agents, fibrous materials, bactericides, tracers, probes, nanoparticles, and the like. Combinations of these substances can also be used.

In embodiments where the hazardous substance is characterized as a pollutant, this may include, water, soot, glycol, oxidation products, traces of wear, contamination particles, combinations thereof, and the like. Different contaminants in, for example, drinking water can include aluminum, chlorine, copper, fluorine, iron, manganese, sulfate, zinc, disinfectants, inorganic chemicals, acrylamide, bromate, chlorite, haloacetic acids (HAA5), total trihalomethanes chloramines (as Cl₂), chlorine (as Ci₂), chlorine dioxide (as C1O₂), inorganic chemicals, antimony, antimony alloys, arsenic, asbestos (> 10 micron fiber), barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium (total), chromium alloys, copper, cyanide (as free cyanide), fluoride, lead, mercury (inorganic), nitrate (measured as nitrogen), (TTHMs), nitrite (measured as nitrogen), selenium, thallium, acrylamide,

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INSTITUT MSXICANO Dt THE PROPERTY _{η Ί} ,. ,,,. INDUSTRIAL, alachlor, atrazma, benzene, benzo (a) pyrene (carbofuran, carbon tetrachloride, chlordane, chlorobenzene,

2,4-D, dalapon, 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP), odichlorobenzene, p-dichlorobenzene, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethylene, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene , dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloropropane, di (2-ethylhexyl) adipate, di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, dinoseb, dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD), diquat, endotal, endrin, epichlorohydrin, ethylbenzene, dibromide of ethylene, glyphosate, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, hexachlorobenzene, hexachlorocyclopentadiene, lindane, methoxychlor, oxamyl (vydate), polychlorinated biphenyls, pentachlorophenol, picloram, simazine, styrene, tetrachlorethylene, - toluene, toxaphene,

2,4,5-TP (silvex), 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, 1,1,1trichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, trichlorethylene, vinyl chloride, xylenes, silicon, combinations thereof, and the like .

As used herein, the term electromagnetic radiation refers to radio waves, microwave radiation, near-infrared and infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet, X-ray radiation, and gamma-ray radiation.

As used herein, the term optical computing device refers to a

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INSTITUT · MEXICAN

PROPERTY optical device that is configured to^{, ND}’¿⁵6VÍ ± ± add electromagnetic radiation input from a substance (eg, a fluid or other material, such as a chemical composition) or a sample into the substance, and produce an output of electromagnetic radiation from a processing element arranged within the optical computing device. The processing element may be, for example, an integrated computational element (ICE, Integrated

Computational Element) used in the optical computing device. As discussed in greater detail below, the electromagnetic radiation that optically interacts with the processing element is changed to be readable by a detector, such that an output from the detector can be correlated with at least one characteristic of the substance that is being measured or monitored. The electromagnetic radiation output from the processing element can be reflected electromagnetic radiation, transmitted electromagnetic radiation, and / or scattered electromagnetic radiation. Whether reflected or transmitted electromagnetic radiation is analyzed by the detector is dictated by the structural parameters of the optical computing device as well as other considerations recognized by those skilled in the art. In addition, the emission can also be monitored

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

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and / or dispersion of the substance, for example by¹fluorescence, luminescence, Raman scattering, and / or Rayleigh scattering, by means of optical computing devices. In some cases, the handheld feature analyzer itself, as generally described herein, may contain or otherwise be characterized as an optical computing device.

As used herein, the term optically interacting or variations thereof refer to the reflection, transmission, scattering, diffraction, or absorption of electromagnetic radiation either in, through, or from one or more processing elements (i.e. , integrated computational elements). Accordingly, optically interacted light refers to electromagnetic radiation that has been reflected, transmitted, scattered, diffracted, or absorbed by, emitted, or reradiated, for example, using integrated computational elements, but may also apply to interaction with a fluid or any other substance.

As used herein, the term sample, or variations thereof, refers to at least a portion of a chemical substance or composition of interest to be tested or otherwise evaluated using the handheld characteristics analyzer (and the (the devices)

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO optician (s) for accompanying computing) d £ súauí3f! A5u er document. The sample includes the characteristic of interest,.

as defined above, and may be any fluid, as defined herein, or otherwise any solid substance or material such as, but not limited to, rock formations, concrete, masonry (i.e., brick, tile, etc.), fiberglass, composites, metals, soil, welds, plastics, other solid surfaces, and the like.

The exemplary handheld feature analyzer described in this document, and its various alternative modalities, will include or otherwise form part of at least one optical computing device for real-time or near-real-time monitoring at the site of one or more chemical compositions, such as a hazardous substance or a contaminant present within a sample fluid or other substance. The optical computing device may include an electromagnetic radiation source, at least one processing element (eg, integrated computing elements), and at least one detector arranged to receive optically interacted light from said at least one processing element . As disclosed later, however, in some embodiments, the source of electromagnetic radiation can be omitted from the optical device.

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE,. z -,_η , OF PROPERTY, \ computation and instead the electrouaiaig »fi.ti radiation can derive from ambient light 4ρ> ίoj'.y- ol, 6ol_and.

fluorescence or natural luminescence, or other artificial light) or the composition or chemical itself. In some embodiments, exemplary optical computing devices may be specifically configured to detect, analyze, and quantitatively measure a particular characteristic or analytical of interest in the chemical composition. In other embodiments, the optical computing devices may be general-purpose optical devices, with post-acquisition processing (eg, via computer means) that is used to specifically detect the feature of interest.

In some embodiments, suitable structural components for exemplary optical computing devices are described in common property documents of US Patent Nos. 6,198,531; 6,529,276;

7,123,844; 7,834,999; 7,911,605; 7,920,258; and 8,049,881, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and the Request for

United States Patent Serial No. 12 / 094,460;

12 / 094,465; and 13 / 456,467, each of which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As will be appreciated, variations of the

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO OE O PROPERTY structural components of the computing devices described in the patents and —scrítt'cítutítí's¹ 'dt * patent mentioned above, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, and therefore, should not be considered limiting the different modalities that are disclosed in this document.

The optical computing devices described in previous patents and patent applications combine the power, precision and accuracy advantage associated with laboratory spectrometers, while being extremely robust and suitable for use in the field.

In addition, optical computing devices can perform real-time or near-real-time calculations (analyzes) without the need for time-consuming sample extraction and processing. In this regard, optical computing devices may be specifically configured to detect and analyze particular characteristics and / or analytes of interest of a chemical composition, such as a hazardous substance or a contaminant present within a sample fluid or other substance. As a result, interference signals are discriminated from those of interest in the sample fluid or other substance by the appropriate configuration of optical computing devices, such that optical devices of

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY computing provide a quick response cori^NDf1É% ^ 5ecl the characteristic (s) of interest with baSé £ ΓΓ Ta ”'SS'l ΐ da¹¹ detected. In some embodiments, the detected output can be converted to a voltage that is distinctive of the magnitude of the characteristic being monitored in the fluid or substance. The foregoing and other advantages make the handheld feature analyzer, and its accompanying optical computing devices, particularly well suited for field use for any industrial application.

The optical computing device (s) provided in the exemplary handheld characteristics analyzer may be configured to detect not only the composition and concentrations of a hazardous or contaminating substance in a sample fluid or substance, it may also be configured to determine the physical properties and other characteristics of the hazardous or contaminating substance, based on an analysis of electromagnetic radiation received from the particular hazardous or polluting substance. For example, optical computing devices may be configured to determine the concentration of an analyte and correlate the determined concentration with a

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characteristic of a dangerous substance when using means

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INSTITUT · MEXICANO DE la ÍHQFIEOAD for adequate processing. As noted, optical computing devices can be used to detect as many hazardous substances or as many characteristics or analytes of the hazardous substance as desired in the fluid or substance sample. All that is required to achieve multi-feature monitoring is the incorporation of appropriate processing and detection means with the optical computing device for each hazardous or contaminating substance.

In some embodiments, the properties of the hazardous substance may be a combination of the properties of the analytes detected in it (eg, a linear, nonlinear, logarithmic, and / or exponential combination). Consequently, the more characteristics and analytes are detected and analyzed using optical computing devices, the more precisely the properties of the given hazardous substance will be determined.

The optical computing devices described in this document use electromagnetic radiation to carry out the calculations, contrary to the wired circuits of conventional electronic processors. When electromagnetic radiation interacts with a hazardous substance in a sample fluid or other substance, the unique physical and chemical information about the substance

<img file="MX340342B_D0030.tif" />

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO dangerous can be encoded in radiation that is reflected from, transmitted through, or — rxarija, dfí.ad.e. the dangerous substance. This information is often referred to as the spectral footprint of the hazardous substance. The optical computing devices described in this document are capable of extracting the information of the spectral footprint of multiple characteristics or analytes and converting that information into a detectable output with respect to the general properties of the dangerous substance. That is, through suitable configurations of the optical computing devices, the electromagnetic radiation associated with a characteristic or analyte of interest of a hazardous substance can be separated from the electromagnetic radiation associated with all the components of the sample fluid or substance. in order to estimate the properties of the dangerous substance in real time or almost in real time.

As mentioned above, the processing elements that are used in the optical computing devices described in this document can be characterized as integrated computing elements (ICE,

Integrated Computational Elements). Each ICE is capable of distinguishing electromagnetic radiation related to a characteristic of interest that corresponds to a substance

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY dangerous of re-electromagnetic radiation other components of the dangerous substance or the sample fluid or substance where the dangerous substance is found. Referring to Figure 1, a

Exemplary ICE 100 suitable for use in the optical computing devices used in the exemplary handheld feature analyzer described herein.

As illustrated, the ICE 100 can include a plurality of alternating layers 102 and 104, such as silicon (Si) and SiO₂ (quartz), respectively. In general, these layers 102, 104 consist of materials whose refractive index is high and low, respectively. Other examples could include niobia and niobium, germanium and germany, MgF₂Yes₂, and other high and low index materials known in the art. Layers 102,

104 they may be strategically deposited on an optical substrate 106. In some embodiments, the optical substrate 106 is BK-7 optical glass. In other modalities, the optical substrate

106 . It can be another type of optical substrate, such as quartz, sapphire, silicon, germanium, zinc selenide, zinc sulfide, or different plastics such as polycarbonate, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA, Polymethylmethacrylate), polyvinylchloride (PVC, Polyvinylchloride), diamond , ceramics, combinations thereof, and the like.

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

At the opposite extreme (eg, opposite su8W9bb

106 In Figure 1), the ICE 100 can impact! Ull'd that is generally exposed to the device or installation environment. The number of layers 102, 104 and the thickness of each layer 102, 104 are determined from the spectral attributes acquired from a spectroscopic analysis of a characteristic of interest (eg, a chemical composition of a hazardous or contaminating substance) using a conventional spectroscopic instrument. The spectrum of interest for a given characteristic of interest usually includes any number of different wavelengths. It should be understood that the exemplary ICE 100 in Figure 1 does not in fact represent any particular feature of interest, but is provided for illustration purposes only. Consequently, the number of layers 102, 104 and their relative thicknesses, as shown in Figure 1, do not correlate with any characteristic of interest. Neither layers 102, 104 and their relative thicknesses are necessarily drawn to scale, and therefore should not be considered limiting those experienced that the materials that

Yes and yes₂) may vary, depending on the application, cost of materials, and / or applicability of materials at

<img file="MX340342B_D0033.tif" />

present disclosure. On the other hand, in the art they will easily recognize make up each layer 102, 104 (that is,

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO OE LA FROPISDAÜ sample fluid or substance being monitored'§.^l? i^,9J5^TO.^L

In some modalities, it can be doped¹ The material of each layer 102, 104 or two or more materials can be combined in one way to achieve the desired optical characteristic. In addition to solids, the exemplary ICE 100 may also contain liquids and / or gases, optionally in combination with solids, in order to produce a desired optical characteristic. In the case of gases and liquids, the ICE 100 may contain a corresponding vessel (not shown), which houses the gases or liquids. Exemplary variations of the ICE 100 may also include holographic optical elements, grids, piezoelectric, light pipe, Digital Light Pipe (DLP), and / or acoustic-optical elements, for example, which can create transmission, reflection, and / or absorbent properties of interest.

The multiple layers 102, 104 exhibit different refractive indices. By appropriately selecting the layer materials 102, 104 and their relative thickness and spacing, the

ICE 100 can be configured to selectively pass / reflect / refract predetermined fractions of electromagnetic radiation at different wavelengths. Each wavelength has a predetermined weight or load factor. The thickness and spacing of layers 102,

104 can be determined using a variety of methods

<img file="MX340342B_D0034.tif" />

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Fst-ns methods can

Fourier (IFT, Inverse optical transmission and approximation from the characteristic or analyte of interest include the inverse transform of

Fourier Transform) of the spectrum to structure the ICE 100 as the physical representation of the

IFT. The approximations convert the IFT into a structure based on known materials with constant refractive indices. Additional information regarding the structures and design of exemplary integrated computational elements (also referred to as multivariate optical elements) is provided in Applied Optics, (Applied Optics), Vol. 35, pp. 5484-5492 (1996) and Vol. 129, pp. 2876-2893, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The weights that the ICE 100 layers 102, 104 apply at each wavelength are established in the regression weights described with respect to a known equation, or data, or spectral signature. Briefly, the

ICE 100 may be configured to carry out the dot product of the input light beam at ICE 100 and a desired loaded regression vector represented by each layer 102, 104 for each wavelength. As a result, the intensity of the ICE 100 output light is related to the characteristic or analyte of interest. Additional details

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE, τ i ** «OPIEDAD &lt;

regarding how the ICE 100 'égremplc is able to distinguish and process radiation ..... l 1 ll Li · amagrié L i-ee related to the characteristic or analyte of interest are described in the United States Patent documents

Nos. 6,198,531; 6,529,276; and 7,920,258, previously incorporated herein by reference.

Referring now to Figure 2, a block diagram is illustrated that non-mechanically illustrates how an optical computing device 200 is capable of distinguishing electromagnetic radiation related to a characteristic of interest from other electromagnetic radiation.

As shown in Figure 2, after being illuminated with incident electromagnetic radiation, a sample 202 produces an output of electromagnetic radiation (eg, interacting sample light), part of which is electromagnetic radiation 204 corresponding to the characteristic of interest and part of which is background electromagnetic radiation 206 corresponding to other components or characteristics of sample 202. In some embodiments, sample 202 may be influenced, but in other embodiments, it may be a solid substance, as defined herein. On the other hand, in some modalities, the sample

202 may include a dangerous substance or a pollutant and the characteristic of interest may correspond to the

<img file="MX340342B_D0035.tif" />

2a¡urf

MEXICAN INSTITUTE - »E LA PROPIEDAD &lt;S» 25Sa,^rIndustrial dangerous and / or polluting substance.

Although not specifically shown, you can! tílliplua¹ one or more spectral elements in the device 200 in order to restrict the wavelengths and / or optical bandwidths of the system and in this way eliminate the unwanted electromagnetic radiation existing in the wavelength regions that are not important. Such spectral elements can be located anywhere along the optical train, but are generally employed directly after the light source (if present), which provides the initial electromagnetic radiation. Different configurations and applications of the spectral elements in optical computing devices can be found in the common property patent documents of the

United States Nos. 6,198,531; 6,529,276; 7,123,844;

7,834,999; 7,911,605; 7,920,258; 8,049,881, and U.S. Patent Application documents Serial No.

12 / 094,460 (Publication of Patent Application of the

United States No. 2009/0219538); 12 / 094,465 (Publication of

United States Patent Application No. 2009/0219539);

and 13 / 456,467, incorporated by reference herein, as indicated above.

Electromagnetic radiation beams 204, 206 strike an exemplary ICE 208 disposed within the device

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

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z · η iy _ _ _ _ tzc ur \ ΓπνΓ'ΐνη, ι / computer optic 200. The ICE 208 can seípusTSasni

ICE 100 of Figure 1, and therefore ί · ιο jo will describe in detail again. In the illustrated mode, the ICE

208 it may be configured to produce optically interacted light, eg optically transmitted interacted light 210 and optically reflected interacted light

214. In operation, ICE 208 may be configured to distinguish electromagnetic radiation 204 from background electromagnetic radiation 206.

The optically transmitted interacting light 210, which can be related to the characteristic of interest in sample 202, can be transmitted to a detector 212 for analysis and quantification. In some embodiments, detector 212 is configured to produce an output signal in the form of a voltage that corresponds to the particular characteristic of interest, such as a concentration of a hazardous substance found in sample 202. In at least one embodiment, the signal produced by detector 212 and the concentration of the characteristic of interest can be directly proportional. In other embodiments, the relationship can be a polynomial function, an exponential function, and / or a logarithmic function. The optically reflected light 214, which can be related to the characteristics of other components and

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE • E THE PROPERTY chemical compositions of sample 202, are ρύΊΚί§ *^{, Α}Lejos] away from detector 212. In settings 'd 1'Lei'Tra trfrrss', the

ICE 208 can be configured such that optically reflected interacted light 214 can be related to the characteristic of interest, and optically transmitted interacted light 210 can be related to other chemical compositions and / or components of sample 202.

In some embodiments, a second detector 216 may be included in computing optical device 200 and arranged to detect optically reflected interacted light 214. In other embodiments, second detector 216 may be arranged to detect electromagnetic radiation 204, 206 that is it is derived from sample 202 or electromagnetic radiation that is directed toward or in front of sample 202. Without limitation, the second detector 216 can be used to detect radiation deviations that are derived from an electromagnetic radiation source (not shown), which provides the electromagnetic radiation (ie, light) to the. device 200. For example, radiation deviations may include such things as, but not limited to, fluctuations in intensity of electromagnetic radiation, interference fluctuations (eg, dust, or other interferers passing in front of the source of electromagnetic radiation), coatings or

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE, Ti 'a. - to. OÉLAFXOHEtUD¹ windows included in the optical device of &lt;NotOTR »pu

200, combinations thereof, or simi'ÍaggB.-Eli ¹ In some embodiments, a beamsplitter (not shown) may be employed to divide the electromagnetic radiation 204, 206, and the transmitted or reflected electromagnetic radiation may then be directed to one or more ICEs 208. That is, in such modalities, ICE 208 does not function as a type of beam splitter, as depicted in Figure 2, and transmitted or reflected electromagnetic radiation simply passes through ICE 208, being computationally processed therein, before being transmitted to or otherwise detected by detector 212.

The characteristic (s) of the fluid 202 of interest that is (are) being analyzed using the optical computing device 200 can be further computationally processed to provide additional characterization information about sample 202, or any dangerous or polluting substance present in it. In some embodiments, the identification and concentration of each analyte of interest in Sample 202 can be used to predict certain physical characteristics of Sample 202. For example, the overall characteristics of Sample 202 can be estimated using a combination of the properties conferred on sample 202

<img file="MX340342B_D0037.tif" />

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO DF LA PROPIEDAD industrial

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In some embodiments, the concentration or magnitude of the characteristic of interest determined using the optical computing device 200 can be fed into an algorithm that operates under computer control. The algorithm may be configured to make predictions about how the characteristics of sample 202 would change if the concentrations of the characteristic of interest change relative to one another. In some modalities, the algorithm may produce output that is readable by an operator for your consideration. For example, based on the output, the operator may wish to take some corrective action to remedy, reduce, or otherwise prevent future detection of a monitored hazardous substance or contaminant.

In other modalities, the algorithm can be programmed to take proactive process control by automatically initiating a corrective effort when a predetermined level of toxicity of the hazardous substance is reported or otherwise detected.

The algorithm can be part of an artificial neural network configured to use the concentration of each detected dangerous substance in order to evaluate the general characteristic (s) of sample 202 and in this way determine when it has been reached. or exceeded

<img file="MX340342B_D0039.tif" />

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO • E OWNERSHIP forms a predefined level of toxicityWS^lF3^,.^{To the}· Illustrative artificial neurals, but not ΙΠΓ11 LULlWciS; ie · described in common property documents of United States Patent Applications No. 11 / 986,763 (United States Patent Application Publication No.

2009/0182693), which is incorporated herein by reference. It should be recognized that an artificial neural network can be trained using samples of predetermined characteristics of interest such as known hazardous substances and contaminants, which have known concentrations, compositions, and / or properties, and thus generate a virtual library. As the virtual library available for the artificial neural network grows, the neural network can become more able to accurately predict the characteristics of interest that correspond to a sample fluid or other substance that has any number of analytes present in it. . Furthermore, with sufficient training, the artificial neural network can more accurately predict the characteristics of the sample fluid or substance, even in the presence of dangerous substances or unknown contaminants.

It is recognized that the different modalities addressed in this document to computer control and artificial neural networks, including the different blocks,

A. A -

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO OE LA raOPISDAC modules, elements, components, methods, can already be implemented using hardware, 'SóTtWál'é dé computer, combinations thereof, and the like. To illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, different illustrative blocks, modules, elements, components, methods and algorithms are generally described in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software will depend on the particular application and any design restrictions imposed. For at least this reason, it should be recognized that someone skilled in the art can implement the described functionality in a variety of ways for a particular application. Furthermore, the different components and blocks can be arranged in a different order or partitioned differently, for example, without departing from the scope of the expressly described modalities.

The computer hardware used to implement the different illustrative blocks, modules, elements, components, methods, and algorithms described in this document may include a processor configured to execute one or more sequences of instructions, programming instances, or code stored in a non-transient computer readable medium. The processor may be, for example, a general-purpose microprocessor, a

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OE LA PROEJEOaO - „_w. , microcontroller, a digital signal processor,^{, N}GM?^r*^|ew.rc »itó · integrated application-specific, an antenna ~ de^{, ll}pⁱui! Li Lu the programmable field, a programmable logic device, a controller, a state machine, closed logic, discrete hardware components, an artificial neural network, or any suitable similar entity that can perform calculations or other manipulations of data.

In some embodiments, computer hardware may also include items such as, for example, a memory (eg, Random Access Memory (RAM, Random Access

Memory), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM, Read

Only Memory), programmable read-only memory (PROM,

Programmable Read Only Memory), Erasable Programmable Read-Only (EPROM)

Memory)), records, hard drives, removable drives, CDROMs, DVDs, or any other similar suitable storage device or media.

The executable sequences described in this document can be implemented with one or more code sequences contained in a memory. In some embodiments, such code can be read into memory from another machine-readable medium. Executing the instruction sequences contained in the memory may cause a processor to carry out the process steps described in this

<img file="MX340342B_D0042.tif" />

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, —I Ί '1 1 OF THE CURRENCY ·, document. One or more> fp®o & es¿ can also be used in a multi-processing setup but¹ e'jecwfc'gri ¿'as' * memory instruction sequences. Furthermore, wired circuits can be used instead of or in combination with software instructions to implement different modalities described in this document. Therefore, the present modalities are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and / or software.

As used in this document, a machine-readable medium will refer to any medium that directly or indirectly provides instructions to a processor for execution. A machine-readable medium can take many forms including, for example, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Nonvolatile media may include, for example, optical and magnetic disks. Volatile media may include, for example, dynamic memory. Transmission media may include, for example, coaxial cables, wire, fiber optics, and wires that form a common link (bus). Common forms of machine-readable media may include, for example, floppy disks, floppy disks, hard drives, magnetic tapes, other similar magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, other similar optical media, punched cards, paper tapes, and media. similar physicists with patterned holes,

RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM and flash EPROM.

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF LA MONEDAD

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX340342B_D0044.tif" />

In some modalities, data collected 1-1 a-etoo— «fci 1ΊbO'fide · optical computing devices can be archived along with data associated with operational parameters being recorded at a job site. The work performance evaluation can then be assessed and improved for future operations, or such information can be used to design subsequent operations. In addition, data and information can be communicated (wired or wireless) to a remote location by means of a communication system (eg, satellite communication or wide area network communication) for further analysis. The communication system may also allow remote monitoring and operation of a process. Automated control with a long-range communication system can further facilitate the performance of remote job operations.

In particular, an artificial neural network can be used in some modalities to facilitate the performance of remote work operations. That is, remote work operations can be automatically conducted in some modes. In other modalities, however, remote work operations may occur under the direct operator control, where the operator is not on-site.

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO works but is able to access site 3 e'iííí ^ JíSa means of wireless communication. ·¹¹¹ ......

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Referring now to Figures 3A and 3B, the side and perspective views of an exemplary handheld feature analyzer 300 are illustrated, respectively, in accordance with one or more embodiments. As a particular design of the handheld feature analyzer 300 is depicted and described herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that different design modifications and alterations can be made to the handheld feature analyzer 300. For example, while the analyzer handheld features

300 illustrated as generally designed in the form of a pistol or the like, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other design shapes and configurations can also be used and still be within the scope of the disclosure. In some embodiments, for example, analyzer 300 may simply be configured as a portable device that could be used on-site for chemical and / or substance analysis in real time or near real time.

As illustrated, in some embodiments, the handheld feature analyzer 300 may have a handle 302 for gripping or otherwise holding the analyzer of and a housing.^DKiÉSisT? Iáo handheld features 300

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE jDE LA TRQRIEDApz

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enclose the different internal components ........ dal »· σί ·» 'ϋ 3 i 7ador

300. In other embodiments, analyzer 300 can be manually gripped or otherwise held in other variable configurations, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In some embodiments, handle 302 is part of the housing

304, but in other embodiments, handle 302 extends from housing 304 as a separate component thereof. The handle 302 can define or otherwise provide a trigger mechanism 306 that can be manually activated by a user when it is desired to start or otherwise activate the handheld feature analyzer 300 and thereby provide a measurement or reading. In some modes, the handheld feature analyzer

300 it may also be configured to capture a visual light image, similar to a digital camera, and trigger mechanism 306 may also be configured to initiate capture of the visual light image. Accordingly, activating feature analyzer 300 may also refer to capturing, recording, and / or displaying a visual light image.

Housing 304, or analyzer 300 itself, may have a sensing end 308a and an outlet end

308b. At detection end 308a, analyzer 300

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO DÍ LA PROPIEDAD,. JT J 4_ η INDUSTRIAL, r * »C5L — may be configured to capture the electromagnetic radiation provided from a 'jlu sample' and this way to end a characteristic of interest in sample 310. Sample 310 may be similar to sample

202 of Figure 2 and therefore may include any fluid or solid substance as generally defined herein. In one or more embodiments, sample 310 may include at least one hazardous or contaminating substance present therein, and the characteristic of interest as determined by analyzer 300 may be indicative of a concentration of the hazardous or contaminating substance as measures in sample 310.

In order to determine the characteristic of interest in sample 310, analyzer 300 may use an optical computing device 312 disposed therein and configured to optically interact with sample 310.

In some embodiments, the optical computing device

312 can be similar to optical computing device

200 of Figure 2. In at least one embodiment, however, the analyzer 300 itself can be characterized as the optical computing device with the different components of the optical computing device 312 arranged therein for their proper functionality.

<img file="MX340342B_D0047.tif" />

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In operation the end of

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF FEOPIEDAD of teccion^mwswe

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analyzer 300 you can point to the^-1 rucie yes id¹¹ 310 and · the trigger mechanism can subsequently be actuated

306 to initiate a reading from analyzer 300. The actuation of trigger mechanism 306, and as will be described in greater detail below, optical computing device 312 may be configured to receive and detect radiation to interact optically as derived from the shows 310. In at least one embodiment, the optical computing device 312 may be configured to provide an initial pulse of electromagnetic radiation to sample 310 from an electromagnetic radiation source (not shown) in order to generate the optically interacted radiation. In other embodiments, however, ambient light, such as sunlight or other artificial light, can provide sufficient electromagnetic radiation such that the optically interacted light corresponding to sample 310 is generated and detectable by the optical device of computing 312.

Optical computing device 312 may be communicatively coupled to a signal processor 314 also disposed within housing 304 or otherwise forming part of analyzer 300. In real time or nearly

<img file="MX340342B_D0049.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY real time, the optical computing device &lt;5t9^{l, s}T5'l^L2 being configured to generate a signal HcUllld Sl6 'corresponds to the particular characteristic of interest as detected in sample 310. Output signal 316 can be transmitted to signal processor 314 which converts output signal 316 into an output signal resulting 318 indicative of the characteristic of interest. Signal processor 314 may be communicatively coupled to one or more communication interfaces and otherwise configured to transmit the resulting output signal 318 thereto.

For example, a communication interface may be a defined or otherwise provided communication port 320 (compatible with Ethernet, USB, etc.) on analyzer 300 which allows analyzer 300 to be coupled to an external processing device 321, such such as a computer, a hard drive, a handheld computer, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), another wireless transmission device. Once coupled to external processing device 321, signal processor 314 may be able to download data (eg, data related to the feature of interest) to it, for example, from an on-board memory that is part of the signal processor 314.

In other modalities, the communication interface is ^ ?? 8h pu '

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE PROPERTY

<img file="MX340342B_D0050.tif" />

be a wireless transmitter or link 322 disposed within housing 304. Signal processor 314 can be communicatively coupled to wireless link 322 and configured to transmit the resulting output signal 318 thereto, which can operate in accordance with any known wireless technology (eg, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. .) and therefore be configured for wireless telecommunication with any 323 remote wireless device, such as, but not limited to, radios, cell phones,

PDAs, wireless networks, satellite telecommunications, and the like.

In still other embodiments, the communication interface may be a graphical user interface (GUI,

Graphical User Interface) 324 arranged in or otherwise forming part of analyzer housing 304 and outlet end 308b. Signal processor 314 may be communicatively coupled to GUI 324 and configured to transmit the resulting output signal 318 thereto.

GUI 324 may be configured to provide one or more visual representations of the feature of interest as detected in Sample 310. In some embodiments, the

GUI 324 can be a capacitive touch screen, liquid crystal display, or other electronic display of

<img file="MX340342B_D0051.tif" />

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OE THE riKTWlOAD DISPLAY. GUI 324 may include a key! 'W *^lPhysical item (not shown), or similar, habili rantRyOó¹ Ó'STá¹ the user to interactively communicate with signal processor 314 and analyzer 300.

As illustrated in Figure 3B, the GUI 324 may be able to provide the user with an image display representing, for example, an optical spectrum 326 of the detected feature of interest. The modalities contemplated in this document, however, also include the

GUI 324 as being able to interactively move between an image screen, an average screen, a compositional or feature screen, etc. The

GUI 324 can be configured to display graphs showing changing concentrations of different chemicals calculated from the spectra readings. In some embodiments, the GUI 324 may be configured to display the concentration levels of several chemicals or substances simultaneously, and / or the level of coincidence with a compound or characteristic. This may especially result from grades, types, and / or types, and / or classes of chemical constituents but at different levels or useful or convenient in determining classes of oil, where each grade has initially the same concentrations.

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ΙΝΓΓΓίνΤΌ MEXICANO Say LA FLONiDAD

In some modalities, GUI 324 may indi mjte

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Concentration levels of certain chemicals have reached cr are otherwise within a safe operational limit.

The GUI 324 can be color-coded, where the default colors (eg , green, yellow, red) can correspond to concentrations / characteristics that are considered neutral, warning, and unsafe, respectively. The safe operational limit may, for example, be predefined by a user in a chemical-by-chemical form (or in a feature-by-feature form) when analyzer 300 is initially configured for operation. Additionally, GUI 324 can be configured to provide or otherwise display trend data related to particular chemical concentrations. Such trend data may have timestamps for the user's convenience. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, GUI 324 may be configured to display trend data over time, either from the present sample 310, or trend data derived from historical samples over a longer period of time. or shorter.

In some modes, the image screen of the

GUI 324 can be configured to or otherwise be

<img file="MX340342B_D0053.tif" />

MEXICAN INSTITUTE '. Ja capable of overlay functionality ⁰¹

Briefly, GUI 324 may be capable of ccmh-i n ^ r rice; or more .

graphic images and produce a combined image that indicates or improves particular characteristics of one of the images.

For example, analyzer 300 may be capable of capturing a visual light image of an object (eg, similar to a digital camera) where it is desired to monitor or otherwise detect a sample 310 of interest. The GUI 324 can be programmed with an image overlay mode that can be configured to overlay the captured visual light image with the chemical composition or concentration information, as derived by optical computing device 312. As can be appreciated, such functionality may be convenient in uses such as, but not limited to, leak detection, spill monitoring, contamination inspection, etc.

In some embodiments, analyzer 300 may include one or more fiber optic probes 328 communicatively coupled to or otherwise forming part of the optical computing device 312. In some embodiments, fiber optic probes 328 may be configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation to sample 310 for the purpose of determining the particular characteristic of interest. In other modalities, the probes

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. ,. _ „„, R-,. MEXICAN INSTITUTE fiber optics 328 may be configured for optically interacted radiation from sample 310 to computing optical device 312 for WJ ^ gjEJ ^ nit. In still other embodiments, fiber optic probes may be configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation to sample 310 and transmitting optically interacted radiation from sample 310 to optical computing device 312.

Fiber optic probes 328 can be detachably or temporarily attached to analyzer 300 at detection end 308a. Fiber optic probes 328 may be any type of optical light tube known to those of ordinary skill in the art including, but not limited to, infrared fiber optic probes, mid infrared fiber optic probes, reflectance probes, fluorescence, side view probes, combinations thereof, and the like. Additional details of suitable 328 fiber optic probe types and configurations can be found in the Fiber-optic Probes for Mid-infrared Spectrometry articles, by Peter J. Melling and Mary Thomson. , Handbook of Vibrational Spectrometry, 2002, and Fiber Optic Probes for Biomedical Optical Spectroscopy, (Fiber Optic Probes for Optical Spectroscopy)

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

Biomedical), by Urs Utzinger and Rebecca R. RicWe ^ ofac-

<img file="MX340342B_D0055.tif" />

Journal of Biomedical Optics 8 (1), pp i'Sl 147 (January

2003), each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Fiber optic probes 328 can provide an alternative solution for optically interacting with sample 310 in applications where sample 310 may be difficult to access or is otherwise out of direct line of sight to detection end 308a of analyzer 300 . For example, 328 fiber optic probes can be advanced into cavities and tubular structures, thereby providing an easier way to access and analyze chemical compositions found within storage vessels, tanks, or other sealed containers that may making it difficult to transmit or receive electromagnetic radiation directly from detection end 308a of analyzer 300. Fiber optic probes 328 may be especially convenient in applications where sample 310 is, for example, engine / machine lubricant, coolant, hydraulic fluid, or fuels that are stored or contained in closed containers. While the body 304 of the hand-held characteristics analyzer 300 may not be able to access the interior of such closed containers, the

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF LAWOPIEDAD fiber optic 328 can be configured pSPFá¹*¹

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such containers closed through 'VUUfL (5^l5^lde addesó designated as defined therein. Accordingly, fiber optic probes 328 essentially communicate handheld feature analyzer 300 with hard-to-reach samples 310.

In some embodiments, analyzer 300 may further include a battery or other power source used to supply power to the various internal components of analyzer 300. As depicted, the battery may be communicatively coupled with at least each of the optical computing device. 312, the signal processor

314, and GUI 324. The battery can be rechargeable or replaceable, depending on the application or design considerations for the analyzer 300. Those of skill in the art, however, will readily recognize that many alternative means are available to power the analyzer 300. , without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Those of skill in the art will also readily appreciate the many different applications with which it may be appropriate to use the 300 handheld feature analyzer, and its alternative configurations. For example, sample 310 may be a

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE Of LA MONEDAD

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX340342B_D0057.tif" />

machinery lubricant, grease, hydraulic fluid, or coolant, and analyzer 300 may be useful in detecting contaminants in sample 310 such as, but not limited to, water, soot, glycol, oxidation products, traces of wear , contamination particles, barium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, iron, copper, lead, combinations thereof, and the like. Analyzer 300 may also be useful in detecting physical properties of sample 310 such as, but not limited to, pH, total dissolved solids, opacity, specific gravity / density, and viscosity.

In other embodiments, sample 310 may be drinking water, and analyzer 300 may be useful in detecting hazardous substances in sample 310 such as, but not limited to, aluminum, chlorine, copper, mercury, lead, arsenic, fluoride, iron, manganese, sulfate, zinc, disinfectants, inorganic chemicals, combinations thereof, and the like. In still other modalities, the sample

310 it can be gasoline or diesel fuel, hydrocarbons in general, different chemicals or treatment solutions, and analyzer 300 can be useful in detecting the concentration of, for example, water in sample 310.

In still other embodiments, sample 310 may be a gas, such as a gas leak or another gas emission from

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO, 3 a containment container or pipeline?_|^^ «eTi“ “® ^ '^i;Sample 310 may refer to one or more hydrocarbon gases leaking from a pipeline, as well as one or more non-toxic tracers and / or gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and helium. Analyzer 300 can be useful in determining a characteristic of sample 310, such as by providing images of a specific chemical composition contained within the sample.

310. In one application, analyzer 300 can be directed to a weld in a pipe line or other fitting, and the

GUI 324 may be configured to provide the user with a reading of, for example, any methane gas leaking around or from the weld. Consequently, in real time or near real time, the user can be provided with a map of the chemical compound of interest. As can be seen, this could be applied to emissions monitoring and / or leak detection in any number of industries. This could also be applied in general pipeline inspection applications, where it is desired to determine if any welds or connection points found along the length of a pipeline are properly sealed.

In some embodiments, sample 310 may be separate production water after a water / oil separation process has been undertaken in

<img file="MX340342B_D0058.tif" />

offshore hydrocarbon processing. It is often desirable to discharge the separate production water directly into the surrounding ocean, thereby eliminating the cost of pumping the fluid back into the well.

Before production water can be discharged into the ocean, however, it must first be rigorously tested to ensure that it does not contain any oil or other impurities that could harm the surrounding marine life. Accordingly, analyzer 300 may be useful in determining a characteristic of interest in the sample.

310, which may correspond to an impurity content of the production water, such as the presence of hydrocarbons, salts, bacteria, precipitates, particles, markers (eg, chemical or physical), metals, organic compounds and volatile organic compounds , additives and treatments, polymers, bacteria, viruses, microorganisms, toxics, or other components of interest.

In other embodiments, sample 310 can be acquired and subsequently placed near, on, or within analyzer 300. For example, sample 310 could be acquired on or within a substrate or sample container, such as a strip of paper, microscope slides or the like, a pipette, test tube, combinations of

<img file="MX340342B_D0059.tif" />

function somewhat similar to a blood glucose, where sample 310 can be physically introduced into analyzer 300 on a single-use strip, but in a configuration or arrangement that allows optical access to sample 310 for monitoring and detection.

In still other embodiments, the hand-held characteristics analyzer 300 can be used to monitor or analyze the chemical substances or compounds found in online inspection devices, commonly called pigs. For example, pigs that have been recovered from a pipeline, usually a gas line, can often be covered in chemicals or chemicals commonly referred to as black powder. Analyzer 300 can be useful in analyzing the contents of the accumulated black powder, which could be toxic, radioactive, or otherwise dangerous. In cooperation, analyzer 300 can be used to determine whether black powder is harmless or dangerous, or to verify that the pig has been properly cleaned after recovery and cleaning.

Referring now to Figure 4, with continued reference to Figures 3A-3B, an exemplary schematic view of the optical computing device is illustrated.

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INSTITUT · MEXICANO DC LA PftONEDA »

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312, in accordance with one or more modalities. ComaxotsaiAbdi 'briefly before, in operation, the 312 computing optical device ..... may be configured to determine a particular characteristic of interest in sample 310, such as a concentration of a hazardous or contaminating substance that may be present within the sample

310. Knowing the concentration of known hazardous substances or contaminants can help determine the overall quality or health of Sample 310 and otherwise indicate a need to remedy potentially undesirable levels of hazardous substances.

As illustrated, the optical computing device

312 can be housed within a housing or housing

402. In at least one embodiment, housing 402 may be the same as housing 304 of the handheld feature analyzer 300 of Figures 3A-3B. In other embodiments, however, housing 402 may be distinct from housing 304 and otherwise configured to substantially protect the internal components of device 312 from damage or contamination of sample 310 or other external contaminants. In such implementations, housing 402 can operate to mechanically couple device 312 to handheld feature analyzer 300 with, for example, mechanical fasteners,

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brazing or brazing, adhesives, magnets, combinations thereof, or the like.

In one or more embodiments, device 312 may include an electromagnetic radiation source 404 configured to emit or otherwise generate electromagnetic radiation 406. The source of electromagnetic radiation

404 It can be any device capable of emitting or generating electromagnetic radiation, as defined in this document.

For example, the electromagnetic radiation source 404 may be a light bulb, a Light Emitting Diode (LED), a laser, a black body, a photonic crystal, an X-ray source, combinations of themselves, or the like. In some embodiments, a lens 408 may be configured to capture or otherwise reside electromagnetic radiation 406 and direct a beam 410 of electromagnetic radiation 406 toward a location to detect sample 310. Lens 408 can be any type of optical device configured to transmit or otherwise communicate electromagnetic radiation 406 as desired. For example, lens 408 can be a normal lens, a Fresnel lens, a diffractive optical element, a holographic graphic element, a mirror (eg, a focusing mirror), a type of collimator, or any other electromagnetic radiation transmission known for

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those experienced in the field. In other1 lenses 408 may be omitted from άί &amp; ρ € ι3ί »ί · ν0 312 and 'ig electromagnetic radiation 406 may rather be directed at sample 300 directly from electromagnetic radiation source 404.

In one or more embodiments, device 312 may also include a sampling window 412. In at least one embodiment, sampling window 412 may be part of housing 304 of the handheld feature analyzer 300 of Figures 3A-3B and of this way to provide a transmission location for beam 410 of electromagnetic radiation 406 to optically interact with sample 310. Sampling window 412 can be made of a variety of transparent, rigid, or semi-rigid materials that are configured to allow transmission of electromagnetic radiation 406 therethrough. For example, sampling window 412 may be made of, but is not limited to, glasses, plastics, semiconductors, crystalline materials, polycrystalline materials, hot or cold pressed powders, combinations thereof, or the like. In order to remove ghosts or other image problems resulting from reflectance in sampling window 412, system 300 may employ one or more internal reflectance elements.

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO (IRE, Infernal Reflectance Elements), such^Gave

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described in the proprietary documents Hp United States Patent No. 7,697,141, and / or one or more imaging systems, such as those described in the commonly owned documents of the US Patent Application.

United States Serial No. 13 / 456,467, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

After passing through sampling window 412, electromagnetic radiation 406 strikes and optically interacts with sample 310, including any hazardous or contaminating substances present therein. As a result, optically interacted radiation 414 is generated by and reflected from sample 310. Those of skill in the art, however, will readily recognize that alternative variations of device 312 may allow optically interacted radiation 414 to be generated by being transmitted, scattered, diffracted, absorbed, emitted, or re-irradiated by and / or from the sample.

310, or one or more hazardous substances present within sample 310, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

The optically interacted radiation 414 generated by the interaction with sample 310, and at least one hazardous substance present therein, can be directed to or otherwise be received by an ICE 416 arranged within the θ »IMPI

MIXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY device 312. ICE 416 can be a componerl't? É^ST^ ¿Substantially similar to the ICE 100 described by aritéWfllMélllé CUTI¹ referring to Figure 1. Consequently, in operation the

ICE 416 can be configured to receive optically interacted radiation 414 and produce modified electromagnetic radiation 418 corresponding to a particular characteristic of interest in sample 310. In particular, modified electromagnetic radiation 418 is electromagnetic radiation that has optically interacted with ICE 416, whereby an approximate imitation of the regression vector corresponding to the characteristic of interest in sample 310 is obtained. In one or more modalities, the characteristic of interest corresponds to a concentration of the dangerous or contaminating substance present within sample 310.

It should be noted that, while Figure 4 represents the

ICE 416 as receiving reflected electromagnetic radiation from sample 310, ICE 416 may be arranged at any point along the optical train of device 312, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

For example, in one or more modes, ICE 416 (as shown in dotted lines) may be arranged within the optical train before sampling window 412 and obtain

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equally substantially the same results. In others

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modalities, the sampling window 412 can serve a dual purpose both as a transmission window and

ICE 416 (that is, a spectral component). In still other embodiments, the ICE 416 can generate the modified electromagnetic radiation 418 through reflection, rather than transmission through.

On the other hand, while only one ICE 416 is displayed on device 312, modalities including the use of two or more components of

ICE in device 312, each being configured to cooperatively determine the characteristic of interest in sample 310. For example, two or more ICE components may be arranged in series or in parallel within device 312 and configured to receive the interacted radiation optically 414 and thus improve the sensitivity and detector limits of device 312. In other embodiments, two or more ICE components may be arranged in a movable assembly, such as a rotating disk or oscillating line array, which is moved in such a way that the individual ICE components are capable of being exposed to or otherwise Optically interact with electromagnetic radiation for a short, different period of time. Two or more ICE components in any of these modes can be configured to be associated or

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310. In other modalities, ICE components 'cfos or more' can be configured to be positively or negatively correlated with the characteristic of interest of the sample.

These optional modalities that employ two or more components of ICE are further described in the pending State Patent Application documents.

United Serial Nos. 13 / 456,264; 13 / 456,405; 13 / 456,302; and

13 / 456,327, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to monitor more than one characteristic of interest at the same time using device 312. In such embodiments, different configurations can be used for multiple ICE components, where each ICE component is configured to detect a particular characteristic and / or different of interest. In some embodiments, the feature of interest can be analyzed sequentially using the multiple ICE components that are provided in a single beam of electromagnetic radiation that is reflected from or transmitted through sample 310.

In some embodiments, as briefly mentioned earlier, multiple ICE components can be arranged on a spinning disk, where the individual ICE components

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF LA MONEDAD

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they are only exposed to the electroW® ^ NetícS3p ^ r radiation beam for a short time. Advantages of this P'UtíUyil approach¹ lliUlull ...... ia · ability to analyze multiple hazardous substances and contaminants within Sample 310 using a single optical computing device and the opportunity to test additional hazardous substances simply by adding additional ICE components to the spinning disk.

In other embodiments, multiple 312 optical computing devices can be used at a single location (or at least in close proximity) within sample 310, where each optical computing device 312 contains a single ICE component that is configured to detect a particular characteristic of interest present in sample 310, such as a particular hazardous substance or contaminant. Each optical computing device 312 can be coupled to a corresponding detector or detector array that is configured to detect and analyze an output of electromagnetic radiation from the respective optical computing device 312. Parallel configurations of 312 optical computing devices can be particularly beneficial for applications that require low power inputs and / or no moving parts.

Modified electromagnetic radiation 418 generated by ICE 416 can subsequently be transmitted to a

IMPI detector 420 for signal quantification.

MEXICAN INSTITUTE »E THE PROPERTY

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can be any device capable of detecting¹ electromagnetic radiation, and can generally be characterized as an optical transducer. In some modes, the detector

420 It may be, but is not limited to, a thermal detector such as a thermopile or photoacoustic detector, a semiconductor detector, a piezoelectric detector, a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) detector, a video or array detector , a division detector, a photon detector (such as a photomultiplier tube), photodiodes, combinations thereof, or the like, or other detectors known to those skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, detector 420 may be configured to output output signal 316 (refer to Figure 3A) in real time or near real time in the form of a voltage (or current) that corresponds to the particular characteristic of interest in sample 310.

The voltage returned by detector 420 is essentially the dot product of the optical interaction of optically interacting radiation 414 with the respective ICE 416 as a function of the concentration of the characteristic of interest of sample 310. As such, the signal of output 316 produced by detector 420 and the concentration of the characteristic of interest in the sample * * =

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE. BE THE MOFJEBAD

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e relate, for example, directly proportional ·¹. In uLUJ modalities, however, the relationship may correspond to a polynomial function, an exponential function, a logarithmic function, and / or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, device 312 may include a second detector 424, which may be similar to first detector 420 in that it may be any device capable of detecting electromagnetic radiation. Similar to the second detector 216 of Figure 2, the second detector 424 of Figure 4 can be used to detect radiation deviations that are derived from the electromagnetic radiation source 404. Undesirable radiation deviations in the intensity of electromagnetic radiation 406 can occur due to a wide variety of reasons and potentially cause different negative effects on device 312. These negative effects can be particularly detrimental to measurements taken over a period of time. . In some embodiments, radiation deviations can occur as a result of a build-up of film or material in the sampling window 412 which has the effect of reducing the quantity and quality of light that ultimately reaches the first detector 420.

Without proper compensation, such deviations from β 6

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Radiation could result in false readings, and output signal 316 would no longer relate primarily or accurately to the characteristic of interest.

To compensate for these types of undesirable effects, the second detector 424 may be configured to generate a compensation signal 426 generally indicative of radiation deviations from the electromagnetic radiation source 404, and thereby normalize the output signal 316 generated by the first detector 420. As illustrated, second detector 424 may be configured to receive a portion of the optically interacted radiation

414 by means of a beam splitter 428 in order to detect the radiation deviations. In other embodiments, however, the second detector 424 may be arranged to receive electromagnetic radiation from any portion of the optical train in device 312 in order to detect radiation deviations, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

As illustrated, the output signal 316 and offset signal 426 can be transmitted to or otherwise received by a signal processor 314 (refers to the

Figure 3A) communicatively coupled with both detectors

420, 424. In one or more modes, the signal processor

314 can be a computer that includes a readable medium ₆7 IMPI Mexican Institute '' fa ^ s &amp; c * DE LA PROPIEDAD by non-transient machine, and can be conf'l '^ HÜ ^ do ^ psTa computationally combine the offset signal 42b with the output signal 316 in order to normalize the signal output 316 in view of any radiation deviation detected by the second detector 424. In some embodiments, computationally combining the output and offset signals 316, 426 may involve calculating a ratio of the two signals 316, 426. For example, the concentration or magnitudes of each characteristic of interest determined using the optical computing device

312 it may be fed into an algorithm executed by means of signal processor 314. The algorithm may be configured to make predictions about how the characteristics of sample 310 change if the concentration of the measured characteristic of interest changes.

In real-time or near-real-time, signal processor 314 may be configured to provide a resulting output signal 318 (referring to Figure 3A) that

<td>corresponds;</td><td>to</td><td>characteristic</td><td>of interest, such as</td><td>the</td>

<td>concentration</td><td>of</td><td>the substance</td><td>dangerous present in</td><td>the</td>

<td>shows 310.</td><td>How</td><td colspan="2">briefly discussed before, the signal</td><td>of</td>

Resulting output 318 can be transmitted, either wired or wirelessly, to an operator for analysis and consideration. In other modalities, the signal

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF THE PROPERTY resulting output 318 can be transmitted to ^ WTIB * · (see Figure 3A) which can be ^l^ uii £ i^,yui^,&lt;JtteP^,,paTW 'provide a graphical representation of the feature of interest for consideration by the user. By reviewing the resulting output signal 318, the operator may be able to determine which hazardous substances are present in sample 310, and at what concentration.

Referring now to Figure 5, with continued reference to Figure 4, an alternate embodiment of the optical computing device 312 is illustrated in accordance with one or more embodiments. The optical computing device 312 of Figure 5 includes one or more fiber optic probes 502 that are used to optically interact with the sample

310. Fiber optic probes 502 may be similar to fiber optic probes 328 in Figure 3A, and therefore will not be described in detail again. As illustrated, electromagnetic radiation 406 can be fed to or supplied to fiber optic probes 502 which can be configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation 406 to sample 310. Specifically, fiber optic probes 502 may be configured to penetrate housing 402 into a connecting bushing 504 defined in housing 402. In at least one embodiment, connecting bushing 504 can provide a location in the

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be removably attached to the di gpno-it-iw? i? , —........

After electromagnetic radiation 406 has optically interacted with sample 310, fiber optic probes 502 may also be configured to return optically interacted radiation 414 back to device 312 and transmit it to ICE 416. The ICE 416, in turn, receives the optically interacted radiation 414 and produces the modified electromagnetic radiation 418 that corresponds to the particular characteristic of interest of sample 310, such as a concentration of a hazardous or contaminating substance found therein. . It should be noted that, while Figure 5 represents the ICE

416, receiving electromagnetic radiation from the sample

310 By means of fiber optic probe 502, ICE 416 can be arranged at any point along the optical train of device 312, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, in one or more modalities, the ICE

416 it can also be arranged within the optical train before the connection hub 504, and it can also obtain substantially the same results.

As generally described above with reference to Figure 4, the modified electromagnetic radiation 418 generated by the ICE 416 can subsequently be detected by the detector.

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INSTITUT · MEXICANO OE LA PROniDAO INDUSTRIAL

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420 for signal quantification. In real-time or near-real-time, detector 420 can produce output signal 316 in the form of a voltage (or current) corresponding to the particular characteristic of interest in sample 310. Second detector 424 can detect deviations from radiation that is derived from the electromagnetic radiation source 404, and subsequently generate the compensation signal 426. Output signal 316 and offset signal 426 can then be transmitted or received by signal processor 314 which computationally combines signals 316, 426 in order to normalize output signal 316. Finally, the resulting output signal 318 that corresponds to the characteristic of interest (eg, the concentration of the hazardous substance present in sample 310), can be transmitted, either wired or wirelessly, to an operator for analysis and consideration. In other embodiments, the resulting output signal 318 can be transmitted to a GUI 324 (Figure 3A) which can be configured to provide a graphical representation of the feature of interest for consideration by the user. By reviewing the resulting output signal 318, the operator may be able to determine what hazardous substances are present in sample 310 and at what concentration.

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE PROPERTY

Referring to Figures 4 _towhat

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Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that, in one or more embodiments, electromagnetic radiation can be derived from the same sample 310 or the environmental environment in which sample 310 resides, and otherwise derived independently of the radiation source. electromagnetic 404. For example, different substances naturally radiate electromagnetic radiation that is capable of optically interacting with ICE 416. In some embodiments, for example, Sample 310 or a substance within Sample 310 may be a blackbody radiation substance configured to radiate heat that can optically interact with ICE 416. In other embodiments, Sample 310 or the substance within sample 310 it can be radioactive or chemo-luminescent and thus irradiate electromagnetic radiation that is capable of optically interacting with ICE 416. In still other embodiments, electromagnetic radiation can be induced from sample 310 or the hazardous substance within sample 310 by acting on it mechanically, magnetically, electrically, combinations thereof, or the like. For example, in at least one embodiment, a voltage can be applied to sample 310 in order to induce electromagnetic radiation. In still other modalities, the

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INSTITUTO M UOCA NO J¡h electromagnetic radiation can be provided with ambient light (eg, those of the sun, ln? —A-rtifiriai,

As a result, modalities are contemplated in this document where the electromagnetic radiation source 404 is omitted from the particular optical computing device.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the 312 optical computing device, and its components described herein, are not necessarily drawn to scale nor, strictly speaking, are represented as optically correct as understood by those skilled in optics. Rather, Figures and 5 are illustrative in nature only and are generally used herein to supplement the understanding of the description of the different exemplary embodiments. However, while the

Figures 4 and 5 may not be optically accurate, the conceptual interpretations represented in them accurately reflect the exemplary nature of the different modalities that are disclosed.

Therefore, the present invention is well suited to achieve the aforementioned purposes and advantages as well as those inherent therein. The particular modalities disclosed above are only illustrative, since the present invention can be modified and practiced

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in different but equivalent ways i THE FROPIBCAp

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those experienced in the field who have the benefit of the teachings in this document. Furthermore, no limitation is intended to the construction or design details shown herein, other than those described in the claims that follow. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above can be altered, combined or modified and that all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The invention disclosed illustratively herein can be suitably practiced in the absence of any item not specifically disclosed herein and / or any optional item disclosed herein. While the compositions and methods are described in terms of comprising, containing, or including different components or steps, the compositions and methods may also consist essentially of or consist of the different components and steps. All the numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by some amount. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range that falls within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, each range of

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE

PROPERTY values ​​(of the form, from A to uíW§^ri'^{,TO THE}B ^ 'equivalently, from about A to B, 6 / equivalently, from about AB) disclosed in this document should be understood to establish any number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their simple, ordinary meaning unless explicitly and clearly defined to the contrary by the patent owner. In addition, one or one indefinite articles, as used in the claims, are defined herein to refer to one or more than one of the introducing element. If there is any conflict in the uses of a word or term in this specification and one or more patents or other documents that may be incorporated in this document by reference, definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted.

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

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