Patent · US Expired

Radon detection system

US4920263A · kind A · utility

33Cited by
30References
73Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 26, 1988
Grant dateApr 24, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 26, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S250/02
  • WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A radon detection system is provided with the capability of monitoring certain environmental parameters together with certain other conditions indicative of possible tampering. The environmental data allows the calculation of an accurate projection of average long-term radon levels in the structure under test on the basis of a relatively short measurement period, while the tamper data indicates whether an attempt has been made to tamper with the detection unit or the measurement conditions during the test period. When an indication of possible tampering occurs, the system enters an accelerated data collection mode during which data is gathered that can later be used to determine whether tampering has actually occurred. The detection system may be provided with first and second detectors for separately monitoring airborne levels of radon gas and radon decay products. The radon gas detector may include a scintillation cell, and means may be provided to purge and then bypass the scintillation cell when high radon gas concentrations are detected. Methods for measuring and reporting radon gas and decay product concentrations are also disclosed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.