Using Thermal Ionization Patents (Class 324/468)
  • Patent number: 11646188
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for analyzing an evolved gas, wherein the precision of detection of a gas component is improved without enlarging the apparatus. The apparatus includes a gas component evolving unit, a detection member for detecting the gas component, and a mixed gas channel for allowing a mixed gas containing the gas component and carrier gas to flow therethrough, and further includes a branch channel branched from the mixed gas channel, an inert gas channel for allowing an inert gas to flow therethrough, a first flow rate regulator for adjusting the flow rate of the carrier gas, a second flow rate regulator for adjusting the flow rate of the inert gas, and a flow rate control unit for controlling the second flow rate regulator such that the flow rate of the mixed gas guided to the detection member is a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH SCIENCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryusuke Hirose, Hideyuki Akiyama, Noriaki Sakai, Masafumi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10195800
    Abstract: The present application discloses a light guide plate comprising a light incident portion having a light incident surface for receiving light from a plurality of light sources, and a plurality of closed cavities proximal to the light incident surface and within a plurality of dark regions of the light guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., HEFEI BOE DISPLAY LIGHT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xiang Liu
  • Patent number: 9222923
    Abstract: As a data processing device and data processing program for a gas chromatograph, which enable composition, a name, and the like of a registered substance to be extracted from an actually measured retention index by a reverse search, a known RI data storage part that stores a plurality of pieces of known RI data each in which an identifier Gn specific to each registered substance, and retention indices actually measured at a plurality of different temperatures by gas chromatographic analysis on the registered substance indicated by the identifier Gn are paired, and a known RI data conversion part that is configured to convert the retention indices of the registered substance at the plurality of different temperatures to a retention index of the registered substance under a predetermined temperature condition for each of the pieces of known RI data are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: HORIBA STEC, CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Sasaki, Naoki Wada
  • Patent number: 9182366
    Abstract: A gas is detected using a MEMS gas sensor. The electrical power to a heater in the gas sensor is changed between a low level, a high level suitable for detection of detection target gas, and a 0 level, and, therefore, poisonous gas is evaporated or oxidized at the low level, and the detection target gas is detected at the high level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Figaro Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Kuniyuki Izawa, Kenichi Yoshioka, Chizumi Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 8963554
    Abstract: A pulsed discharge helium ionization detector for gas chromatography with multiple combined bias/collecting electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Valco Instruments Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Stanley D. Stearns, Huamin Cai
  • Patent number: 8928329
    Abstract: A fast response output signal circuit (10) for a cold cathode gauge is provided to produce a fast response output signal (48) in addition to a voltage output signal (40) that is representative of the pressure in the cold cathode gauge. The fast response output signal (48) is either on or off, thus can be used to trigger a closing of an isolation valve or other responsive action upon a change in pressure that attains or exceeds a certain set point threshold. The fast response output signal is produced and processed with analog circuits, but the set point is produced with a microprocessor. The voltage output signal can be produced as a logarithmic function of the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Bert Downing, Donghua Gu, Neil T. Peacock
  • Patent number: 8890534
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a surface ionization detector comprises an emitter, a heating rod, a collecting electrode, a reducing liner and a housing. The emitter is made of molybdenum, platinum or alloy, and in the form of cylinder or a wire spiral. The heating rod heats and supports the metal emitter. When the heating rod is heated to 300-500° C., organic amine compounds collide with the surface of the emitter, generating positive ions through surface thermal ionization and thus are detected. The lowest detecting limit value of tertiary amine by the detector in the present invention can achieve to 10?14 g/s. The response to other hydrocarbons, ketones, etc., is 5-6 orders of magnitude lower than that of organic amines. The detector can selectively detect amines, hydrazines and their derivatives, and so on. The detector can be used as a detector for a gas chromatography system adopting capillary column or packed column, or alternatively be used alone as a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Yafeng Guan, Weiwei Li, Daoqian Zhu, Jianwei Wang
  • Patent number: 8749245
    Abstract: The invention relates to anion gauge for determining a total integrated concentration of a substance having a molecular weight falling into a pre-determined range of molecular weights in a gas sample. The anion gauge includes an ionization region in a vicinity of the ionization source; an accelerator for generating a flow of ionized molecules; a mass filter for intercepting the flow for separating ions having the molecular weight falling into the pre-determined range from the ionized molecules and a detector for generating a signal representative of the total integrated concentration of such ions present in the gas sample. The invention further relates to a lithographic apparatus and a method for determining a total integrated concentration of a substance having a molecular weight falling into a pre-determined range of molecular weights in a gas sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO
    Inventor: Norbertus Benedictus Koster
  • Patent number: 8710849
    Abstract: A process for measuring particle concentrations in a gas using an ejector for producing an essentially constant sample flow and for efficient mixing of the particle-containing sample and essentially clean, ionized gas. The invention also relates to an apparatus implementing such process. The process and the apparatus can be utilized for example in measuring particle concentrations in an exhaust system of a combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Pegasor Oy
    Inventor: Juha Tikkanen
  • Patent number: 8648604
    Abstract: An ionization gauge to measure pressure and to reduce sputtering yields includes at least one electron source that generates electrons. The ionization gauge also includes a collector electrode that collects ions formed by the collisions between the electrons and gas molecules. The ionization gauge also includes an anode. An anode bias voltage relative to a bias voltage of a collector electrode is configured to switch at a predetermined pressure to decrease a yield of sputtering collisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerardo A. Brucker
  • Publication number: 20140035593
    Abstract: A flame ionization detector having at least one combustion chamber, at least one conduit for directing a gas or gas mixture, and at least one electrode structure, and a process for forming the flame ionization detector by providing two or more green ceramic films, forming geometric structures in said green ceramic films, depositing at least a portion of an electrically conductive structure on at least one of said green ceramic films, stacking said green ceramic films, laminating said green ceramic films, and sintering said laminated green ceramic films to faun said flame ionization detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: KROHNE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: KROHNE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
  • Patent number: 8490598
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an internal combustion engine include an ignition coil that generates a pre-discharge ionization signal during charging of the ignition coil after reaching a first threshold charge level and prior to spark discharge and a controller that determines an engine operating condition, such as pre-ignition or plug fouling, in response to the pre-discharge ionization signal. The ignition coil may also generate digital feedback and ionization signals used to by the controller for to control ignition coil dwell and repetitive sparking, as well as providing various combustion diagnostics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Qiuping Qu, Garlan J. Huberts, Christopher Paul Glugla
  • Patent number: 8350572
    Abstract: An ionization vacuum device measures a pressure in a vacuum vessel, and has: an anode provided inside the vacuum vessel; a cathode provided inside the vacuum vessel; a power source for discharge that supplies electric power for discharge between the anode and the cathode; a power source for cathode-heating that supplies power for heating to the cathode, means for forming a magnetic field in a space between the anode and the cathode; control means for controlling so as to heat said cathode by said power source for cathode-heating while discharge of gas inside said vacuum vessel is caused, and so as to maintain the temperature of said cathode within a temperature range where thermonic electrons are not emitted from said cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Ampere Inc.
    Inventor: Fumio Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8324905
    Abstract: An automatic variable gain amplifier is provided. The automatic variable gain amplifier automatically adjusts the amplification of a signal, and in one embodiment, an ion signal, based on the amplitude of the peaks of the signal. The automatic variable gain amplifier detects the peaks of the signal, compares them to a threshold value, and, based on this comparison, varies the amount by which the signal is amplified. The automatic variable gain amplifier produces a composite output waveform for an input waveform with an amplitude that may vary over a plurality of orders of magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Barrett
  • Publication number: 20120136268
    Abstract: A photo ionization detector (PID) is provided for selectively determining various compounds or gases present in a breath sample. The PID, comprises a substrate comprising a gas ionization chamber, at least one pair of ion sensing electrodes, and at least one amplifying circuit; and an ultraviolet (UV) ionization source to transmit a UV light beam into the gas ionization chamber. A system comprises the PID is also provided. A method of detecting a response pattern for various compounds or gases in breath using PID is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Bo Li, Rui Chen, Matthew Damian Pietrzykowski, Xuefeng Wang, Nannan Chen, Cheng-Po Chen
  • Publication number: 20110315872
    Abstract: An oxygen detection method, includes: preparing a grid, an ion collector, and a filament in which an oxide are formed on a surface of metal; controlling a filament current flowing to the filament so that an emission current becomes constant; discharging thermionic electrons which are caused by heat generation by applying the filament current, and generating ions by ionizing a gas; capturing the ions with the ion collector; and detecting oxygen being present in a vacuum processing chamber by measuring a filament current value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: ULVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Toyoaki Nakajima, Takeshi Miyashita, Yasushi Nagata, Yasufumi Uchida, Hideki Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 8054082
    Abstract: The measurement is carried out by a device of two non- dissociable measurement chains resulting in a continuous measurement which is representative of the total concentration of tars (even as traces) of a hot gas. It involves coupling of methods including one, SPME/GC/MS/PID, which is discontinuous and a priori partial, the other, PID, which is continuous but difficult to interpret alone. It is based on on-line processing of the elements transmitted by each of the measurement methods used. A tar generator (28) allows calibration of the apparatuses and calculation of the different coefficients required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Meryl Brothier, Pierre Estubier, Julien Comte, Patrick Baussand, Johann Soyez
  • Publication number: 20110156715
    Abstract: Various environmental systems are disclosed. In accordance with one of the systems, a first and second valve are provided. The valves provide a first air flow path from an air pump to a photo-ionization detector is provided through a pre-filter. The valves also provide a second air flow path from the air pump to the photo-ionization detector so that the pre-filter is isolated from its environmental surroundings. Various other arrangements of environmental monitoring systems with one or more pre-filters are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Emilcott
    Inventor: Bruce E. Groves
  • Publication number: 20100171505
    Abstract: A supplemental air system for a portable, intrinsically safe (IS), flame ionization detector (FID) device includes a portable, intrinsically safe, FID device and a supplemental air system coupled to the FID device configured to store compressed air and deliver a flow of regulated air to the FID device as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: James Norgaard, Gary Richard, Joseph A. Rebeiro
  • Publication number: 20100172796
    Abstract: A metal hydride storage system for a portable intrinsically safe (IS), flame ionization detector (FID) device includes a portable intrinsically safe FID device and a metal hydride storage vessel is coupled to the FID device configured to store a predetermined amount of compressed hydrogen at a predetermined low pressure and deliver the hydrogen gas to the FID device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: James Norgaard, Gary Richard, Joseph A. Rebeiro
  • Publication number: 20100171506
    Abstract: An explosion-proof detector assembly for a flame ionization detector (FID) including an explosion-proof detector assembly enclosure configured to house the FID therein. A vent assembly coupled to the assembly enclosure includes a sintered metal frit configured to allow exhaust generated by the FID to vent from the detector assembly enclosure. A hydrogen supply line assembly coupled to the assembly enclosure includes a sintered metal frit configured to deliver a supply of hydrogen to the FID. A sample line assembly coupled to the enclosure includes a sintered metal frit configured to deliver a sample gas to the FID. A pressure relief assembly coupled to the assembly enclosure includes a sintered metal frit configured to ensure the pressure inside the detector assembly enclosure does not exceed a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: James Norgaard, Gary Richard, Joseph A. Rebeiro
  • Patent number: 7737700
    Abstract: Detecting air ingredients is obtained, a heater and gas sensitive acting layers are arranged on a substrate, which are connectable to an analyzing unit. Electrical resistances of n acting layers are connected in series; heater is a temperature sensor connected in parallel with this series connection, electrical resistance of heater is smaller than the sum of electrical resistances of acting layers and resistances are connected with a total of n+1 electrical terminals via electrodes so that heater is connected with two terminals and n?1 other terminals are connected with a respective junction that interconnects two acting layers. Heater is intermittently heated so that a predefined constant temperature of acting layers is achieved, temperature of acting layers is acquired by determining electrical resistance of heater; voltages in the series connection of acting layers are analyzed and a concentration of gases are determined from electrical resistances of acting layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: UST Umweltsensortechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Kiesewetter, Anatolij Ewert, Volkmar Melchert, Sven Kittelmann
  • Publication number: 20100045300
    Abstract: The measurement is carried out by means of two non-dissociable measurement chains resulting in a continuous measurement which is representative of the total concentration of tars (even as traces) of a hot gas. It involves coupling of methods including one, SPME/GC/MS/PID, which is discontinuous and a priori partial, the other, PID, which is continuous but difficult to interpret alone. It is based on on-line processing of the elements transmitted by each of the measurement methods used. A tar generator (28) allows calibration of the apparatuses and calculation of the different coefficients required. Possible application to the analysis of gas from biomass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE
    Inventors: Meryl Brothier, Pierre Estubier, Julien Comte, Patrick Baussand, Johann Soyez
  • Patent number: 7609067
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention pertain to an electronic portion of a MEMs ion gauge with ion collectors bowed out of plane to form a three dimensional arrangement and a method for forming an electronic portion of a MEMs ion gauge with ion collectors bowed out of plane to form a three dimensional arrangement. In one embodiment, an ion gauge substrate is formed. The electronic portion of the MEMs ion gauge is assembled by coupling a plurality of ion collectors with the ion gauge substrate, wherein the coupling of the plurality of ion collectors with the ion gauge substrate further comprises performing an operation that causes the plurality of ion collectors to be bowed out of plane to form a three dimensional arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Chien-Hua Chen, James McKinnell
  • Publication number: 20090113982
    Abstract: A system and methodology for the trace detection of organic explosives is described. The detector system combines a separation system, such as a gas chromatograph to separate the components of an explosive mixture, with a pyrolysis detector. In operation, effluent from the separation system is pyrolyzed and the fragments produced on pyrolysis of the explosive compound are then detected. The small molecule fragments exhibit sharply banded, characteristic spectrum, enabling detection of the explosive materials. The system is tested using the explosive materials nitrobenzene and 2,4-dinitrotoluene, and with the nitramine explosive tetryl. Detection limits are 25 ng for nitrobenzene, and 50 ng for 2,4-dinitrotoluene. Tetryl is detected with a detection limit of 50 ng.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Hodyss, Jesse L. Beauchamp
  • Patent number: 6887069
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for the monitoring of the combustion process within a combustion system. The apparatus comprises; a combustion system, a means for supplying fuel and an oxidizer, a device for igniting the fuel and oxidizer in order to initiate combustion, and a sensor for determining the current conducted by the combustion process. The combustion system comprises a fuel nozzle and an outer shell attached to the combustion nozzle. The outer shell defines a combustion chamber. Preferably the nozzle is a lean premix fuel nozzle (LPN). Fuel and an oxidizer are provided to the fuel nozzle at separate rates. The fuel and oxidizer are ignited. A sensor positioned within the combustion system comprising at least two electrodes in spaced-apart relationship from one another. At least a portion of the combustion process or flame is between the first and second electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Jimmy D. Thornton, George A. Richards, Keith A. Dodrill, Roy S. Nutter, Jr., Douglas Straub
  • Patent number: 6693433
    Abstract: In a flame ionization sensor type gas combustion control apparatus, the sensor tip, or probe, exposed to the flame is constructed and arranged according to materials and shapes which promote mechanical deformation of the sensor due to thermal expansion and contraction. The mechanical deformation will cause cracks to open in the contaminant layers surrounding the probe, enabling the sensor to perform as intended even though insulative contaminant build up is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Stephan E. Schmidt, Kristin Powers Goppel, Eric J. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6580280
    Abstract: An exhaust gas side electrode is provided on one surface of a solid electrolytic substrate. A reference gas side electrode is provided on an opposite surface of the solid electrolytic substrate so as to be exposed to a reference gas stored in a reference gas chamber. Each lead of the electrode is connected to a signal output terminal. This sensor satisfies a relationship B/A<0.5, wherein ‘A’ represents an overall resistance value of an electric path including the solid electrolytic substrate, the electrodes, and their leads in a sensor activated condition, while ‘B’ represents a resistance value of the leads at a room temperature. Some embodiments may be arranged such that at least one of the leads has a low resistance portion located in the vicinity of the electrodes and a high resistance portion located in the vicinity of signal output terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Makato Nakae, Syuichi Nakano, Toshitaka Saito
  • Patent number: 6559650
    Abstract: A probe interface for an RF probe head improves the dissipation of heat resulting from RF power. The interface includes a conductor for transmitting RF power to a plasma chamber, and a sensing board for generating an analog signal based on the RF power. An electrically insulative bushing is disposed between the conductor and the sensing board, where the bushing is thermally conductive such that the bushing dissipates heat resulting from the RF power. By enabling the bushing to be thermally conductive, thermal instability is reduced and the overall RF power handling capacity increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: ENI Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Coumou
  • Patent number: 6504377
    Abstract: An analyzing device for producing measurements using transient ionic drift technique and an analysis method using same. The device for the quantitative detection of copper in silicon by transient ionic drift essentially comprises a heater and a rapid cooler for the sample to be analyzed, an electrode for measuring the electrical capacity of the sample and a unit generating an energizing signal and processing the measuring electric signal. The heater (2) for the sample (4) to be analyzed consists in at least a halogen lamp, the rapid cooler (3) for the sample (4) to be analyzed is a water cooler, and the electrode for measuring the sample (4) to be analyzed is a mercury electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventor: Thomas Heiser
  • Publication number: 20020180450
    Abstract: A probe interface for an RF probe head improves the dissipation of heat resulting from RF power. The interface includes a conductor for transmitting RF power to a plasma chamber, and a sensing board for generating an analog signal based on the RF power. An electrically insulative bushing is disposed between the conductor and the sensing board, where the bushing is thermally conductive such that the bushing dissipates heat resulting from the RF power. By enabling the bushing to be thermally conductive, thermal instability is reduced and the overall RF power handling capacity increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: David J. Coumou
  • Publication number: 20020171432
    Abstract: In a flame ionization sensor type gas combustion control apparatus, the sensor tip, or probe, exposed to the flame is constructed and arranged according to materials and shapes which promote mechanical deformation of the sensor due to thermal expansion and contraction. The mechanical deformation will cause cracks to open in the contaminant layers surrounding the probe, enabling the sensor to perform as intended even though insulative contaminant build up is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Stephan E. Schmidt, Kristin Powers Goppel, Eric J. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20020130666
    Abstract: An acid concentration continuous measuring apparatus is equipped with the combination of a body having a flow path through which pickling solution contained in a pickling tank is made to continuously pass in a single direction, a density sensor, a temperature sensor, and a conductivity sensor which are installed on the body and substantially continuously measure the pickling solution flowing along the flow path, and a calculating apparatus which calculates the acid concentration of the pickling solution based on the measured results. Feedback control of the hydrochloric acid concentration in a final pickling tank of a plurality of pickling tanks forming a continuous pickling line is performed using the acid concentration continuous measuring apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Toshihiko Nonaka, Takeo Kataoka, Kazuto Esaki
  • Patent number: 6429020
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting the flame occurring during a flashback condition in the fuel nozzle of a lean premix combustion system is presented. The sensor comprises an electrically isolated flashback detection electrode and a guard electrode, both of which generate electrical fields extending to the walls of the combustion chamber and to the walls of the fuel nozzle. The sensor is positioned on the fuel nozzle center body at a location proximate the entrance to the combustion chamber of the gas turbine combustion system. The sensor provides 360° detection of a flashback inside the fuel nozzle, by detecting the current conducted by the flame within a time frame that will prevent damage to the gas turbine combustion system caused by the flashback condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Jimmy Dean Thornton, George Alan Richards, Douglas L. Straub, Eric Arnold Liese, John Lee Trader, Jr., George Edward Fasching
  • Patent number: 6414494
    Abstract: In a flame ionization sensor type gas combustion control apparatus, the sensor tip, or probe, exposed to the flame is constructed and arranged according to materials and shapes which promote mechanical deformation of the sensor due to thermal expansion and contraction. The mechanical deformation will cause cracks to open in the contaminant layers surrounding the probe, enabling the sensor to perform as intended even though insulative contaminant build up is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventors: Stephan E. Schmidt, Kristin Powers Goppel, Eric J. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6404205
    Abstract: The present invention is a method by which the deterioration judgement and the correction of an electrochemical carbon monoxide gas sensor are simply carried out without using the correction gas. The method of the present invention is that: the voltage is applied from the outside so that the working electrode of the electrochemical carbon monoxide gas sensor is operated as the negative electrode, and the counter electrode is operated as the positive electrode, and hydrogen is generated from the working electrode, and oxygen is generated from the counter electrode; after that, the potential of the working electrode and the counter electrode is returned to the operation potential as the sensor; and by using the reaction on the hydrogen remained in the vicinity of the working electrode, the sensor current is generated, thereby, it is tested whether the sensor is normally operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoya Kitamura
  • Patent number: 6107805
    Abstract: An ionization detector for detection of an analyte includes a source chamber having a source of ionizing particles and receiving a fluid stream of detector gas; an ionization chamber connected to the source chamber at an ionization chamber entrance therebetween so as to allow metastables and photons to be generated in the source chamber and to be transferred in the fluid stream to the ionization chamber; a signal electrode assembly located in the ionization chamber; and a signal measuring circuit for measuring ionized analyte molecules. The signal electrode assembly includes a spaced array of electrodes including a collector electrode, a first signal electrode, and a second signal electrode. The first signal electrode is situated immediately downstream from the ionization chamber entrance and substantially upstream of the collector electrode, so as to extend the detection zone to the vicinity of the ionization chamber entrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mahmoud F. Abdel-Rahman
  • Patent number: 6084414
    Abstract: A method for testing for leakage currents in an oxygen probe, in particular a planar lambda probe, having at least one heating element, one external electrode and one internal electrode, and a solid electrolyte arranged between the electrodes, a first voltage being applied to the heating element. A second voltage is applied to at least one of the electrodes, the second voltage being selected so that the potential difference between the electrode and at least one area of the heating element is positive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Neumann, Walter Strassner, Lothar Diehl
  • Patent number: 6032513
    Abstract: An trace analyzer apparatus and method useful in semiconductor processing for measuring trace impurities in gases and liquids comprising a gas chromatograph serving to replace a bulk gas in a composition of bulk gas including contaminants in a bulk gas stream with a carrier gas having a higher ionization potential than that of said contaminants, where such gas chromatograph is connected to a hollow electrode (14) for initiating ionization of said contaminants by electrical discharge, where such electrode is electrically isolated from a source housing (44) and adjacent to a skimmer plate (16) that ionizes trace contaminants that are measured using a mass spectrometer, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Russell A. Chorush, Jeremiah D. Hogan, Deepta Varadarajan
  • Patent number: 5969617
    Abstract: A flame ionization detector having a pair of spaced electrodes to which a DC voltage is applied and a flame produced between the electrodes by burning a gas whose composition is to be determined, thereby ions are produced which form an ion current between the electrodes which is representative of the gas composition to be measured. The flame detector is formed by a base plate having a first channel for inlet of the gas whose composition to be measured, a second channel for inlet of a combustion gas, a third channel connected to the first and second channels for conveying a mixture of the gases to an outlet communicating with a nozzle outlet in a ceramic plate on the base plate which faces an opening in a metal plate spaced at a predetermined distance from the ceramic plate such that the flame burns in the opening in the metal plate. An electrically conductive metal layer is disposed on the ceramic plate around the nozzle outlet therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Pierburg AG
    Inventor: Christopher Garthe
  • Patent number: 5846341
    Abstract: The proposed method of carrying out diagnostics on a process for the thermo-chemical treatment of steels and alloys in a glow discharge involves monitoring the ionization characteristics of the atmosphere as revealed by the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation in various frequency intervals. The proposed device for carrying out the method in question comprises a primary converter (1) in the form of an electromagnetic radiation emitter unit and contains filtering elements (5) mounted in such a way that they can be positioned in the radiation zone in front of the receiver (6) on a rotating disk (4). The disk (4) is provided with a rotation drive (7) for positioning the elements (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventors: Valery Vasilyevich Shemetov, Nikolai Mikhailovich Ryzhov, Andrei Evgenievich Smirnov
  • Patent number: 5739699
    Abstract: Electron capture detector for use with an effluent stream from a gas chromatograph includes an electron source means and an adjacent ionization chamber in which electron capture takes place. The active region of the ionization chamber is disposed to receive free electrons and a flow of purge gas. The detector has an inlet port for receiving a sample gas as well as an outlet port for exhausting the sample gas and the purge gas. A collector electrode in the detection chamber is biased so as to collect the free electrons in the absence of electrophilic substance. Electrophilic substances in the detector will reduce the flow of electrons to the collector and generate an ionic current. An insulative member in the form of a flow guide may be located at the portion of the anode so as to permit pulsing of free electrons to the anode but substantially block the ionic current, i.e., to discriminate between the free electrons and the ionic current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Mahmoud F. Abdel-Rahman
  • Patent number: 5608384
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: SenTech Corporation
    Inventor: George H. Tikijian
  • Patent number: 5576626
    Abstract: A compact and low fuel consumption flame ionization detector includes a precisely pored metallic disk or a silicon micro-machined diffuser plate through which the sample gas tube extends a minimum distance (less than 2 mm). The oxidant flows into the detector in a direction parallel to a plane of the diffuser plate, passes into a small cavity under the diffuser, and then passes through a large number of very small holes formed in the diffuser plate before encountering the sample gas flow at the end of the gas tube. A narrow diameter collector is closely spaced to the end of the gas tube. The direction of feeding the air and the diffuser plate (which acts as a baffle) provide laminar flow and eliminate the flicker noise which would otherwise occur due to the air flow inlet being located very close to the gas tube end. The FID is vertically compact and operates at a high electric field strength, exceeding 90 V/mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Microsensor Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Chi K. Lo
  • Patent number: 5444435
    Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for monitoring the concentration levels of halogen gas in a gaseous atmosphere as confined in an enclosure over a relatively extended period of time. Such monitoring apparatus includes a sensor including first and second electrodes disposed to define a space therebetween through which the gaseous atmosphere flows and a voltage source for applying a voltage between the first and second electrodes whereby an ionization current flows to the first electrode. A control mechanism illustratively in the form of a programmed microcontroller monitors the ionization current collected by the first electrode as the output signal of the sensor, to determine an increase therein as would be indicative of a halogen leak. Upon determining an increase of the sensor output signal above a predetermined difference, the control mechanism removes the energization from the halogen sensor whereby the ionization current is terminated and the life of the sensor extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Inventors: William J. Williams, II, Daniel M. Thorsen
  • Patent number: 5426056
    Abstract: A surface ionization detector for detecting organic molecules such as illicit drugs and non-organo-nitrate explosives includes a heated surface and a collector electrode. A sample containing trace amounts of the organic molecules in ambient air is directed over the heated surface maintained at a temperature in the range of 500.degree. C. to 800.degree. C., thereby causing the molecules to decompose into fragments. A polarization voltage between 18 V and 24 V is applied to ionize the fragments which are then collected by the collector electrode. An electrometer connected to the collector electrode measures the current and a change in the current indicates the presence of ionized fragments, and thereby indicates the presence of the organic molecules. The temperature of the heated surface and the polarization voltage are optimized for detection of particular organic molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: Sabatino Nacson
  • Patent number: 5301537
    Abstract: Detection of leakages of refrigerant from compressor-evaporator-condenser circuits is carried out with an electron multiplier equipped mass spectrometer of which the evacuated detector chamber is maintained at substantially constant elevated temperature in the range about 60 to about 130.degree. C. This allows high gain settings to be employed allowing detection of very small leakage rates by direct sampling from the ambient atmosphere while distinguishing from chemically analogous halogenated hydrocarbons used as blowing agents for foamed insulation and present in substantial concentrations in the ambient atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: W. C. Wood Company Limited
    Inventor: John A. Atkinson
  • Patent number: 5198774
    Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for monitoring the concentration levels of halogen gas in a gaseous atmosphere as confined in an enclosure over a relatively extended period of time. Such monitoring apparatus includes a sensor including first and second electrodes disposed to define a space therebetween through which the gaseous atmosphere flows and a voltage source for applying a voltage between the first and second electrodes whereby an ionization current flows to the first electrode. A control mechanism illustratively in the form of a programmed microcontroller monitors the ionization current collected by the first electrode as the output signal of the sensor, to determine an increase therein as would be indicative of a halogen leak. Upon determining an increase of the sensor output signal above a predetermined difference, the control mechanism removes the energization from the halogen sensor whereby the ionization current is terminated and the life of the sensor extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Inventors: William J. Williams, II, Daniel M. Thorsen
  • Patent number: 5106050
    Abstract: A system for mounting various pieces of equipment at selected locations along the length of a support member. A clamping unit, releasably mounted on the support member for adjustable positioning of the clamping unit, is fixed in place by the action of locking means which draw a protrusion on a clamping piece into intimate contact with opposed contact surfaces in a groove running along the length of the support member. The opposed contact surfaces of the groove form an acute angle transverse to the length of the support member. With the support member formed as an open channel, cables from the equipment being mounted can be positioned within the channel and clips snap-fitted into the opening in the channel close off the opening in the channel at selected locations and form smaller openings through which the cables pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Air-Shields, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Arie Cohen, Kevin J. Grant
  • Patent number: 5102806
    Abstract: A method for analyzing fluid by a multi-fluid modulation mode is characterized by subjecting a plurality of sample fluids (which may be different or a single sample fluid divided into a plurality of systems) to a fluid modulation by reference fluids at various frequencies, respectively. An analytical portion provided with only one sensor is simultaneously and continuously supplied with the respective sample fluids. An output signal from the sensor in the analytical portion is divided into signal components of the respective modulation frequencies for the respective sample fluids to rectify and level, whereby obtaining analyzed values about the respective sample fluids is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Horiba, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Mikasa, Ichiro Asano, Nobutaka Kihara, Shuichi Ishimoto, Isao Fujita, Norio Kada, Takeshi Aoki, Takao Imaki, Masahiko Fujiwara, Naohito Shimizu, Junji Kato