Method and apparatus for monitoring for the presence of a gas
US5608384A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 23, 1992 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 23, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N33/0063
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
There is a method and disclosed apparatus for detecting for the presence within a gaseous atmosphere of a gas of a concentration above a preset level. The detecting apparatus comprises a sensor including a heater/anode element and a collector/cathode element disposed to define a space therebetween through which the gaseous atmosphere flows. An actuable power supply is coupled to the heater/anode element and to the collector/cathode element for applying power thereto, whereby ionization of the gas causes a current flow through the collector/cathode element of a magnitude proportional to the concentration level of the gas in the gaseous atmosphere. An actuable alarm means provides an indication of the presence of the gas above the preset level. Detecting apparatus control operates the detecting apparatus in a monitoring mode, wherein the power supply is actuated and the alarm deactuated to detect and compare the current flow with the preset level. Upon first detecting current which is equal to or exceeds the preset level, the control operates the detecting apparatus in a leak wait mode, wherein the power supply is actuated and the alarm deactuated to initiate the timing of a period w…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.