Optical sensor

1 . An optical sensor, comprising:

a channel configured to have a fluid flow therethrough;

a plurality of light sources provided on a first side of the channel;

a first light detector provided on the first side of the channel, at least some of the plurality of light sources surrounding the first light detector on the first side of the channel; and

a second light detector provided on a second side of the channel.

2 . The optical sensor of claim 1 , wherein the channel is defined by:

a first transparent plate provided on the first side; and

a second transparent plate provided on the second side.

3 . The optical sensor of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of light sources and the first light detector are provided behind the first transparent plate.

4 . The optical sensor of claim 3 , wherein the second light detector is provided behind the second transparent plate.

5 . The optical sensor of claim 2 , wherein:

the first transparent plate and the second transparent plate are separated by one or more spacers; and

a width of the one or more spacers defines a width of the channel.

6 . The optical sensor of claim 1 , wherein:

the channel, plurality of light sources, the first light detector, and the second light detector are each provided at a sensing portion of the optical sensor; and

the sensing portion is adapted to be submerged in the fluid.

7 . The optical sensor of claim 1 , wherein:

the plurality of light sources and the first light detector are encased in a first housing and the second light detector is enclosed in a second housing; and

the first housing and the second housing define the channel.

8 . The optical sensor of claim 7 , wherein the first housing and the second housing are each transparent or translucent.

9 . The optical sensor of claim 7 , wherein the first housing and the second housing are each made from a food-safe plastic.

10 . The optical sensor of claim 1 , further comprising a light blocker configured to isolate the first light detector from the plurality of light sources.

11 . The optical sensor of claim 1 , further comprising a waveguiding block configured to direct light to the first light detector or the second light detector.

12 . The optical sensor of claim 1 , wherein:

the channel includes a first end having a first width and a second end having a second width; and

the first width is different from the second width.

13 . The optical sensor of claim 12 , wherein the first width is wider than the second width.

14 . The optical sensor of claim 1 , wherein some or all of the plurality of light sources are configured to emit light of a same color.

15 . The optical sensor of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of light sources includes at least one red light source, one blue light source, and one green light source.

16 . The optical sensor of claim 1 , further comprising a housing to be provided inline with a pipe for the fluid, the housing comprising a first pipe end and a second pipe end such that the fluid enters the optical sensor through the first pipe end and exits the optical sensor through the second pipe end.

17 . The optical sensor of claim 16 , wherein the housing further comprises a conduit surrounding a sensing portion that includes the channel, the plurality of light sources, the first light detector, and the second light detector.

18 . The optical sensor of claim 1 , further comprising:

a first light pipe provided on the first side for directing light emitted from the plurality of light sources to the channel; and

a second light pipe provided on the second side for directing light from the channel to the second light detector.

19 . The optical sensor of claim 18 , further comprising:

a third light pipe provided on the first side for directing light from the channel to the first light detector,

wherein the first light pipe and the third light pipe are provided concentrically to one another.