US4526034A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Krypton hygrometer
Assignee: Campbell Scientific Inc
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Filing: 1984-05-07
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Granted: 1985-07-02
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Expires: 2004-05-07
Abstract
Abstract An improved spectroscopic hygrometer includes a krypton-filled source tube that produces emissions at 123.58 nm for selective absorption by water vapor in a gaseous sample. The method for measuring water vapor density requires generation of ultraviolet radiation from a krypton source, receipt of the radiation by a detector, and passage of a gaseous sample through the radiation that is directed to the detector. The krypton radiation has been found to be an effective source for hygrometry purposes, and a practical improvement over prior hydrogen sources.
Inventors
- 👤 Gaylon S. Campbell
- 👤 Bertrand D. Tanner
- 👤 Robert V. Gauthier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 12:34
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/17; G01N21/25; G01N21/31; G01N21/33
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
57 words
In a hygrometer for measurement of water vapor density by the absorption of ultraviolet radiation, the apparatus comprising: a krypton-filled glow discharge tube; detector tube means for receiving radiation along a path leading from the glow discharge tube; and a gaseous sample path intersecting the path leading from the glow discharge tube to said detector tube means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
57 words
In a hygrometer for measurement of water vapor density by the absorption of ultraviolet radiation, the apparatus comprising: a krypton-filled glow discharge tube; detector tube means for receiving radiation along a path leading from the glow discharge tube; and a gaseous sample path intersecting the path leading from the glow discharge tube to said detector tube means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The hygrometer of claim 1 wherein the krypton-filled glow discharge tube comprises a krypton vacuum ultraviolet lamp.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The hygrometer of claim 1 further comprising: window means in the path leading from the glow discharge tube to the detector tube for filtering emitted radiation from the krypton tube having a wavelength substantially differing from 123.58 nanometers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The hygrometer of claim 3 wherein the window means are composed of magnesium fluoride (MgF 2 ).
Claim 6
Independent Claim
61 words
A method for measuring water vapor density by the absorption of ultraviolet radiation, comprising the following steps: generating ultraviolet radiation from a krypton source having an emission line at a wavelength of 123.58 nanometers; directing the generated radiation to a detector for measurement of the radiation received thereby; and passing a gaseous sample through the radiation being directed to the detector.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
61 words
A method for measuring water vapor density by the absorption of ultraviolet radiation, comprising the following steps: generating ultraviolet radiation from a krypton source having an emission line at a wavelength of 123.58 nanometers; directing the generated radiation to a detector for measurement of the radiation received thereby; and passing a gaseous sample through the radiation being directed to the detector.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of filtering the radiation directed to the detector to block passage of radiation having a wavelength substantially differing from 123.58 nanometers.
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) | 1988-07-01 | 1988-12-31 | 1989-07-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-07-01 | 1992-12-31 | 1993-07-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-07-01 | 1996-12-31 | 1997-07-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |