US4471309A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vacuum detector
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1982-02-09
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Granted: 1984-09-11
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Expires: 2002-02-09
Abstract
Abstract There is provided a novel vacuum detection means utilizing a high frequency, high voltage device to excite an electrical discharge in a vacuum whose characteristics are dependent on the level of the vacuum contained therein. This discharge current allows the degree of vacuum to be continuously monitored.
Inventors
- 👤 William J. Lange
- 👤 Clive W. Kimblin
- 👤 John F. Perkins
- 👤 Roy E. Voshall
- 👤 Fred Bould
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 19:42
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H33/00; H01H33/60; H01H33/66; H01H33/668; G; G01; G01L; G01L21/00; G01L21/30; G01L21/34; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/327; G01R31/3271; G01R31/3272; G01R31/3274
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
52 words
A vacuum detector, comprising: (a) a high frequency, high voltage source means disposed to excite an electrical discharge current in a vacuum device; and (b) an a.c. metering means connected to the oscillator windings of the high frequency, high voltage source means disposed to measure the effect of said electrical discharge current.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
52 words
A vacuum detector, comprising: (a) a high frequency, high voltage source means disposed to excite an electrical discharge current in a vacuum device; and (b) an a.c. metering means connected to the oscillator windings of the high frequency, high voltage source means disposed to measure the effect of said electrical discharge current.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A vacuum detector as recited in claim 1 wherein said high frequency, high voltage source means is comprised of a Tesla coil.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
A vacuum detector as recited in claim 1 wherein said metering means is comprised of a loop of wire in series with an ammeter disposed to measure an induced current related to the amount of said electrical discharge current.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-09-11 | 1988-03-12 | 1988-09-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-09-11 | 1992-03-12 | 1992-09-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-09-11 | 1996-03-12 | 1996-09-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |