US3924200A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Atomic standard with variable storage volume
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1974-10-03
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Granted: 1975-12-02
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Expires: 1994-10-03
Abstract
Abstract A cylindrical, convoluted, flexible bellows is used to form an atomic or molecular storage vessel with constant surface area and surface properties but adjustable volume. When utilized as a storage bulb inside an atomic or molecular frequency standard such as a hydrogen maser, it provides an apparatus for obtaining an extremely accurate measurement of the frequency deviation caused by the interaction of gas atoms (or molecules) with the vessel wall surface (i.e., the so-called ''''wall shift'''').
Inventors
- 👤 Harry E Peters
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 19:17
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S1/00; H01S1/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
In an atomic or molecular frequency standard, a variable volume, constant surface area storage bulb comprising a cylindrical, convoluted, flexible bellows having upper and lower ends which are capped by circular quartz plates, said lower end being mounted to a stationary portion of said standard; screw means for varying the length of said bellows, said screw means being rotationally mounted to said stationary portion of said standard, one end of said screw means being attached to said upper end of said bulb with the other end of said screw means extending outside said standard, said screw means imparting longitudinal movement to said upper end of said bulb relative to said lower end thereof as a function of rotation of said screw means for accurate adjustment of the volume of said bulb from outside said standard.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
135 words
In an atomic or molecular frequency standard, a variable volume, constant surface area storage bulb comprising a cylindrical, convoluted, flexible bellows having upper and lower ends which are capped by circular quartz plates, said lower end being mounted to a stationary portion of said standard; screw means for varying the length of said bellows, said screw means being rotationally mounted to said stationary portion of said standard, one end of said screw means being attached to said upper end of said bulb with the other end of said screw means extending outside said standard, said screw means imparting longitudinal movement to said upper end of said bulb relative to said lower end thereof as a function of rotation of said screw means for accurate adjustment of the volume of said bulb from outside said standard.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
123 words
In an atomic or molecular frequency standard of the type including a vacuum chamber enclosing a storage bulb, an arrangement comprising a storage bulb which has a constant surface area and a continuously adjustable volume, the volume of said bulb being adjustable by varying the length of said bulb along one axis; screw means extending through said vacuum chamber, one end of said screw means being attached to one end of said bulb, a rotary seal being formed between said screw means and said vacuum chamber, rotation of said screw means from outside said vacuum chamber causing longitudinal movement of said one end of said bulb relative to the other end thereof, whereby accurate adjustment of the volume of said bulb is provided.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
123 words
In an atomic or molecular frequency standard of the type including a vacuum chamber enclosing a storage bulb, an arrangement comprising a storage bulb which has a constant surface area and a continuously adjustable volume, the volume of said bulb being adjustable by varying the length of said bulb along one axis; screw means extending through said vacuum chamber, one end of said screw means being attached to one end of said bulb, a rotary seal being formed between said screw means and said vacuum chamber, rotation of said screw means from outside said vacuum chamber causing longitudinal movement of said one end of said bulb relative to the other end thereof, whereby accurate adjustment of the volume of said bulb is provided.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-12-01 | 1979-06-02 | 1979-12-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-12-01 | 1983-06-02 | 1983-12-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-12-01 | 1987-06-02 | 1987-12-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |