US4140004A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for determining the explosion limits of a flammable gas
Assignee: Stauffer Chemical Co
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Filing: 1977-11-09
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Granted: 1979-02-20
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Expires: 1997-11-09
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for determining the explosion limits of flammable gases having a combustion chamber, a conduit leading to the combustion chamber for conveying the sample stream of gas, a temperature control for maintaining the gas in the combustion chamber at a predetermined temperature and an ignition system for igniting the gas. The ignition system includes an exploding wire powered by a low internal resistance battery, thus enabling the testing of corrosive, flammable gases.
Inventors
- 👤 Harvey N. Smith
- 👤 Michael A. Woolf
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 09:05
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N25/00; G01N25/50; G01N25/54
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
An apparatus for determining the explosive characteristics of gases comprising: a combustion chamber having an inlet and an outlet conduit means communicating with the inlet of said combustion chamber for conveying a sample of gas from a sample source to said combustion chamber; ignition means connected with said combustion chamber comprising an exploding wire powered by a low internal resistance battery for igniting the sample of gas; and a detection means for detecting the ignition of the sample of gas.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
80 words
An apparatus for determining the explosive characteristics of gases comprising: a combustion chamber having an inlet and an outlet conduit means communicating with the inlet of said combustion chamber for conveying a sample of gas from a sample source to said combustion chamber; ignition means connected with said combustion chamber comprising an exploding wire powered by a low internal resistance battery for igniting the sample of gas; and a detection means for detecting the ignition of the sample of gas.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further including temperature control means for maintaining the gas in said combustion chamber at a predetermined temperature.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said conduit means includes dual interlocked valves for isolating the gases in said conduit means and combustion chamber from said sample source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 3 further including sampling means in said conduit means to allow withdrawal of gas samples.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said low internal resistance battery provides a total voltage of from about 50 to about 150 volts.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said low internal resistance battery provides a total voltage of from about 95 to about 120 volts.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said low internal resistance battery comprises a battery pack of sealed lead-acid cells.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said low internal resistance battery comprises a battery pack of nickel-cadmium cells.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said exploding wire is platinum.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further including a flame propagation chamber connected to said combustion chamber.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the detection means is a transparent means for viewing said flame and is included in said flame propagation chamber.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the detection means includes a means for determining flame velocity.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said means for determining flame velocity comprises at least two phototubes electrically connected to measure the time required for the flame to travel between the phototubes.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the detection means includes a means for measuring the pressure in the flame.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said means for measuring the pressure in the flame comprises a pressure transducer.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the detection means includes a means for sensing the temperature of the flame.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said means for sensing the temperature of the flame comprises a thermocouple located within said flame propagation chamber.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-02-19 | 1982-08-21 | 1983-02-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-02-19 | 1986-08-21 | 1987-02-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-02-19 | 1990-08-21 | 1991-02-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |