US 12,281,981 B2
Determining cellulose and plastic ratios using near-infrared spectroscopy along the edge of composite panels
Brady Samuelson, Des Moines, IA (US); and Brian McQuerrey, Sarasota, FL (US)
Assigned to Continuus Materials Intellectual Property, LLC, The Woodlands, TX (US)
Filed by Continuus Materials Intellectual Property, LLC, The Woodlands, TX (US)
Filed on Mar. 30, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/128,572.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/407,240, filed on Sep. 16, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0094119 A1, Mar. 21, 2024
Int. Cl. G01N 21/3563 (2014.01); G01N 21/359 (2014.01)
CPC G01N 21/3563 (2013.01) [G01N 21/359 (2013.01); G01N 2201/127 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method comprising:
measuring, by a near-infrared (NIR) device, a first NIR spectrum at an edge of a composite panel formed using a blend of paper fragments and plastic fragments;
measuring, by the NIR device, a second NIR spectrum at the edge of the composite panel, wherein the first NIR spectrum and the second NIR spectrum are measured at different locations on the edge of the composite panel;
aggregating, by a controller of the NIR device, the first and second NIR spectra to obtain an aggregated spectrum; and
comparing, by the controller of the NIR device, the aggregated spectrum to calibration data to determine a plastic composition of the composite panel.