Abstract: A gas detector apparatus for determining the concentration of a selected one of a plurality of predetermined gases includes a gas sensor which generates a gas output signal related to the concentration of the selected predetermined gas in the gas sample. A K factor storage associated with the gas sensor stores at least one K factor, unique to and generated by using the gas sensor, for each of the plurality of predetermined gases. A processor, in response to a selected gas control signal, selects the K factor or factors from the K factor storage for the selected gas and, in accordance with a predetermined process stored therein, calculates a concentration signal representing the concentration of the selected gas in the gas sample.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for detecting gas includes stacked reference, counter and sensing electrodes within a body and having a quantity of a liquid electrolyte in an electrolyte chamber therein. A support is provided for holding the electrodes and mats in contact with each other and at an inner end of a cavity within the sensor. A gas passage, such as a diffusion limiter, is provided through the sensor body and permits gas to reach the sensing electrode. The reference electrode is formed in a wraparound structure, with the reference electrode provided with a plurality of integral extensions which extend around the support and the counter electrode and into contact with the liquid electrolyte, thereby providing a large reference electrode fitted into a small body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a low power, solid state gas sensor and method of making the same. The sensor comprises a heating element formed from a wire coiled about an axis, a sensing whisker placed inside the heating coil substantially in plane with said axis, and a metal oxide semiconductor material whose resistance varies with the object gas concentration. The gas sensors of this type operate at less than 150 mA. In addition, gas sensors of the present invention exhibit a substantially linear response over a significant concentration of the object gas.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell for use in gas detection includes a cell body having an electrolyte cavity and a separate sensor cavity. The sensor cavity holds stacked sensor elements including a counter electrode, electrolyte mat, reference electrode and sensing electrode. A wick draws the electrolyte from the electrolyte cavity to the electrolyte mat. The sensing electrode closes off the sensor cavity and seals the counter and reference electrodes therein. The only gas which contacts the counter and reference electrodes is that which passes through the sensing electrode or is generated by the counter electrode and becomes dissolved in the electrolyte.

Abstract: A trimode gas detection instrument having three operating modes, one which monitors the level of combustible gases, a second which monitors oxygen, and a third which monitors the displacement of air by an unknown gas. Only two sensors are used, a combustible gas sensor and an oxygen sensor. A switch selects the input to a readout so that the user can quickly observe the concentration readings in any of the three modes. In the depletion mode the readout is calibrated in relation to the inverse of the normal concentration of oxygen in air--i.e., zero depletion corresponds to an oxygen concentration of 21%. In the event that an unknown gas displaces air in a sample atmosphere, concentration of the unknown gas appears on the readout, such that zero oxygen corresponds to a concentration of 100% unknown gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for the detection and measurement of an object gas is disclosed. Such an apparatus comprises a sensing electrode having a catalytic surface, a counter electrode having a catalytic surface, an electrolyte in electrical contact with the sensing electrode and the counter electrode, a reference electrode in contact with the electrolyte and the sensing electrode, a means for supplying an electrical potential between the sensing electrode and the reference electrode and a means for measuring the current flow resulting from the reaction of the object gas with the sensing electrode by way of the sensing electrode substrate to the counter electrode substrate. The substrate, which supports the catalytic sensing electrode and counter electrode materials being electrically conductive carbon or graphite, which allows the electrons generated at the sensing electrode catalytic surface to be removed through the substrate instead of from the surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the use of gold oxide as a catalyst for use in a hydrogen sulfide gas detector. The gold oxide catalytic surface being supported on an electrically conductive substrate; thereby allowing the flow of electrons between the anode and the cathode to occur between the substrates of the electrodes instead of the catalytic surfaces. This will reduce the amount of catalytic material required to form the electrode, and will not require that the catalytic surface be an electrical continuum.

Abstract: A reference element for a catalytic gas sensor with improved life in the presence of combustible gases is described. The sensor comprises a filament such as a platinum-iridium alloy coated with a layer of titanium dioxide. The coating typically contains a high temperature stable inorganic binder such as aluminum oxide. The filament can be in coil-form pre-encased in a glass bead. Such sensor has long term stability in the presence of combustible organic gases such as alkenes, alkadienes, alkynes, and epoxide containing hydrocarbon gases, for example. Sensors containing such elements have particular utility in the area of mining and oil drilling environments, as well as industrial, safety, and commercial applications.

Abstract: A game implement for hitting flying objects, said implement comprising a grip portion and a head portion extending from one end of the grip portion, the head portion having first and second wall portions having different impact characteristics, and indicia on the implement by which a user may perceive which of the wall portions is in a hitting attitude.