US4250433A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vacuo spark generator for the spectrographic analysis of samples
Assignee: Office National d'Études et de Recherches Aérospatiales
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Filing: 1979-02-05
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Granted: 1981-02-10
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Expires: 1999-02-05
Abstract
Abstract An in vacuo spark generator for the spectral analysis in the ultraviolet of a sample acting as an anode, with a coaxial annular cathode cooperating with the anode and an electrode for the formation of initiation sparks the operative portion of which is disposed opposite the outer side surface of the cathode and set back relative the frontal face of the cathode, the cathode frontal face being rounded and the opposite portions of the cathode and the initiation electrode being provided each with removable snap-rings slightly protruding relative to the body of the cathode and initiation electrode; said snap-rings are housed in a semicircular groove provided in the body of the cathode and the initiation electrode.
Inventors
- 👤 Claude R. Bernard
- 👤 Bernard Daigne
- 👤 Francois Girard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 14:15
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/62; G01N21/66; G01N21/67
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
An in vacuo spark generator for the spectral analysis in the ultraviolet range of a sample acting as an anode, with, located in a chamber enclosing the sample, a coaxial annular cathode cooperating with the anode and an electrode for the formation of initiation sparks, the operative portion of which is disposed opposite the outer side surface of the cathode and set back relative to the frontal face of the cathode, wherein the cathode frontal face is rounded and the opposite portions of the cathode and the initiation electrode are provided each with removable snap-rings slightly protruding relative to the body of the cathode and initiation electrode, said snap-rings being housed in a semi-circular groove provided in the body of the cathode and the initiation electrode.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
126 words
An in vacuo spark generator for the spectral analysis in the ultraviolet range of a sample acting as an anode, with, located in a chamber enclosing the sample, a coaxial annular cathode cooperating with the anode and an electrode for the formation of initiation sparks, the operative portion of which is disposed opposite the outer side surface of the cathode and set back relative to the frontal face of the cathode, wherein the cathode frontal face is rounded and the opposite portions of the cathode and the initiation electrode are provided each with removable snap-rings slightly protruding relative to the body of the cathode and initiation electrode, said snap-rings being housed in a semi-circular groove provided in the body of the cathode and the initiation electrode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The spark generator according to claim 1, wherein the snap-rings have a circular cross-section.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The spark generator according to claim 2, wherein the snap-rings are housed in a semi-circular groove provided in the body of the cathode and of the initiation electrode respectively.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The spark generator according to claim 1, wherein an annular auxiliary electrode acts as a concentration agent on the plasma in the gap between the sample and the cathode.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The spark generator according to claim 4, wherein the operative edge of the annular electrode is rounded.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The spark generator according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the auxiliary electrode is electrically insulated.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The spark generator according to claim 6 wherein said concentration electrode is biased.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The spark generator according to claim 4 wherein said concentration electrode is biased.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The spark generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the initiation electrode is adjustable in position relative to the cathode.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
156 words
An apparatus for forming sparks, comprising an in vacuo spark generator for the spectral analysis in the ultraviolet range of a sample acting as an anode, with, located in a chamber enclosing the sample, a coaxial annular cathode cooperating with the anode and an electrode for the formation of initiation sparks, the operative portion of which is disposed opposite the outer side surface of the cathode and set back relative to the frontal face of the cathode, wherein the cathode frontal face is rounded and the opposite portions of the cathode and the initiation electrode are provided each with removable snap rings slightly protruding relative to the body of the cathode and initiation electrode, said snap-rings being housed in a semi-circular groove provided in the body of the cathode and the initiation electrode; and a capacitor battery being provided for supplying the discharge energy and contained in a chamber immediately adjacent the chamber enclosing the electrodes.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
156 words
An apparatus for forming sparks, comprising an in vacuo spark generator for the spectral analysis in the ultraviolet range of a sample acting as an anode, with, located in a chamber enclosing the sample, a coaxial annular cathode cooperating with the anode and an electrode for the formation of initiation sparks, the operative portion of which is disposed opposite the outer side surface of the cathode and set back relative to the frontal face of the cathode, wherein the cathode frontal face is rounded and the opposite portions of the cathode and the initiation electrode are provided each with removable snap rings slightly protruding relative to the body of the cathode and initiation electrode, said snap-rings being housed in a semi-circular groove provided in the body of the cathode and the initiation electrode; and a capacitor battery being provided for supplying the discharge energy and contained in a chamber immediately adjacent the chamber enclosing the electrodes.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the assembly of the two chambers has a coaxial configuration.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein means are provided for making operative at will a determined number of capacitors of the battery.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the capacitors face holes formed in the upper wall of the chamber, conductive plugs are provided for cooperation with said holes in order to provide an electrical connection between the corresponding capacitor and said wall.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the capacitors face holes formed in the upper wall of the chamber, and insulating plugs are provided for cooperation with said holes in order to prevent an electrical connection between the corresponding capacitor and said wall.
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) | 1984-02-10 | 1984-08-11 | 1985-02-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-02-10 | 1988-08-11 | 1989-02-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-02-10 | 1992-08-11 | 1993-02-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |