Method and device for detecting birefringent substances in liquids

Claim 2

Method for determination of birefringent solid particles or crystals in liquids, said method comprising placing a small amount of the liquid to be analysed between two polarizing sheets, moving said two sheets relative to each other to a relative position where they directly overlie each other with crossed directions of polarization, pressing said two sheets against each other, and observing in transmitted light the presence or absence of light traces contrasting against the dark background of the crossed polarizers, the presence of which traces indicating the presence of birefringent solid particles or crystals in said liquid.

Claim 3

Device for determination of birefringent solid particles or crystals in liquids, said device comprising two polarizing sheets linked together about a common axis in a manner such that said two sheets are movable about said axis to positions whereat said sheets directly overlie each other, the directions of polarization of said sheets being crossed when said sheets are in said positions, and such that said two sheets may be pressed against each other when in said positions, wherein said axis extends substantially transverse to the planes of said two polarizing sheets and connects said sheets adjacent the peripheries thereof, such that said sheets can be moved relative to one another in a fan-like manner.

Claim 4

Device for determination of birefringent solid particles or crystals in liquids, said device comprising two polarizing sheets linked together about a common axis in a manner such that said two sheets are movable about said axis to positions whereat said sheets directly overlie each other, the directions of polarization of said sheets being crossed when said sheets are in said positions, and such that said two sheets may be pressed against each other when in said positions, wherein said axis extends substantially transverse to the planes of said two polarizing sheets and connects said sheets adjacent the peripheries thereof, such that said sheets can be moved relative to one another in a fan-like manner.

Claim 5

A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said two sheets are connected to each other about a common axis extending substantially transverse to the planes of said sheets, and said step of moving comprises rotating said sheets about said axis.

Claim 6

A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said two sheets are movable with respect to each other about a common axis extending substantially parallel to the planes of said sheets, and said step of moving comprises pivoting said sheets about said axis.