System for detecting one or more predetermined optically derivable characteristics of a sample
A field use optical grain characterizing system ( 101 ) includes a generally rectangular prismatic composite body ( 102 ) that defines a component cavity ( 103 ). A substantially vertical elongate channel ( 104 ) extends within cavity ( 103 ) for housing a grain sample (not shown). An electromagnetic radiation source, in the form of a 12 Volt halogen lamp ( 105 ), is disposed within cavity ( 103 .) for directing NIR light into channel ( 104 ). An optical detection system ( 107 ) is disposed within cavity ( 103 ) for sensing selected light emerging from channel ( 104 ) and for providing a sensor signal. A processor, which is included within detection system ( 107 ), is also disposed within cavity ( 103 ) and is responsive to the sensor signal for providing data indicative of a characteristic parameter of the grain sample. A display device, in the form of a 5.7-inch touch screen LCD display ( 108 ), is connected with body ( 102 ) for selectively presenting the data.
1. A rigid base plate including a sequence of formations F1, F2, . . . , Fn for receiving respective optical components C1, C2, . . . , Cn to define an optical path, wherein n≧2 and at least the first formation F1 sealingly receives its respective component C1, wherein at least one of the optical components is a reflection diffraction grating, wherein at least one of the optical component is an optical barrel.
2. A base plate according to claim 1 wherein the last formation, Fn, sealingly receives component Cn.
3. A base plate according to claim 1 , the base plate being at least partially defined by a mounting plate which at least partially defines the formations and a top plate for sealingly engaging with the mounting plate, wherein the mounting plate and the top plate collectively define a cavity for containing components C1, C2, . . . , Cn.
4. A base plate according to claim 3 wherein the top plate and mounting plate each at least partially define the formations.
5. A base plate according to claim 4 wherein the mounting plate and the top plate substantially mirror each other.
6. A base plate according to claim 3 wherein the mounting plate and the top plate substantially mirror each other.
7. A base plate according to claim 3 wherein the mounting plate and the top plate include respective sealing faces that, in use, are abutted to effect the sealing engagement.
8. A base plate according to claim 3 wherein the mounting plate and the top plate collectively define along the path an entry window and an exit window.
9. A base plate according to claim 8 wherein F1 and Fn are adjacent to the entry window and the exit window respectively.
10. A rigid base plate according to claim 1 , wherein: at least the first formation F1 is sealingly received to its respective component C1 by a sealing bead.
11. A rigid base plate according to claim 1 wherein the plate has a thickness of 12 mm.
12. A rigid base plate according to claim 1 wherein the plate has a rigidity greater than 2,000 MPa.
13. The plate of claim 1 , wherein the optical barrel includes a pair of spaced apart convex lenses and circular aperture disposed intermediate the lenses, the lenses being equally displaced from the aperture.
14. The plate of claim 1 wherein at least one of the optical components is a focusing lens.