Gas sensors and methods of controlling light sources therefor
US7835004B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 2007 |
| Grant date | Nov 16, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 5, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2201/12792
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A gas sensor includes a light source, a power source in operative connection with the light source and a control system in operative connection with the light source and the power supply. The control system is adapted to control power input from the power source to the light source such that the time period of the control frequency is shorter than the thermal time constant of at least one of (i) the infrared light source, (ii) the gas within the sensor, or (iii) a detector of the sensor. The time period of the control frequency can, for example, be no greater than ⅓ of the thermal time constant, no greater than 1/10 of the thermal time constant, or even no greater than 1/20 of the thermal time constant. A feedback signal can be provided to the control system assist in achieving control.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.