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Abstract

A reflection measuring device for determining quality properties of items comprises a measuring head with a housing which is optically open in one side. The housing is designed to be placed on the item requiring measurement of the reflection factor, with the open side turned towards the surface of the item. The device has one or more light emitters arranged to illuminate the surface of the item adjacent to the open side of the housing, and a plurality of optical fibres, one end of which leads to the interior of the housing to receive light reflected from the surface of the item and to conduct it to a detection system. The system comprises filter elements each positioned adjacent to the other end of one or more of the optical fibres, each permitting passage of near infrared light in a predetermined wavelength range. Photodetectors each positioned by a filter element are arranged so as to measure the strength of the light passing through the filter. The photodetectors are each connected to an amplifier set to a predetermined amplification. The device is suitable for the on-line determination of the unsaturated fat content in the fatty tissue of carcasses or meat cuts conveyed on a slaughter or production line. On the basis of the unsaturated fat content, the device determines the consistency type of the fatty tissue (firm, normal or soft fatty tissue).

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