US4803370A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Infrared light generation
Assignee: Li Cor Inc
•
Filing: 1987-05-18
•
Granted: 1989-02-07
•
Expires: 2007-05-18
Abstract
Abstract To measure the amount of carbon dioxide in a mixture of gases, a source of infrared light includes a porous getter emitted formed of an inner tungsten heater with a layer of sintered together zirconium and carbon powder covered with spectrographic grade carbon over at least 50 percent of its surface serving as a getter and an emitter of infrared light. It is mounted within a vacuum and emits light in a strong spectrum including light having a bandwidth of at least 150 nanometers with a center point of substantially 4.2 micrometers. The light is transmitted through reference and sample flow cells each including a corresponding one of a reference gas and a sample gas onto a photosensor. The light source includes a reflector located within a range of no more than 1 centimeter from the emitter getter for reflecting heat back to said emitter getter at least 50 percent of its surface and has a window aligned with said infrared light sensor with an opening of area of between 0.05 to 20 square millimeters. The heater heats the emitter getter to a temperature in the range of 600K to 2,000K.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert D. Eckles
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 21:50
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J3/00; G01J3/02; G01J3/10; G01J3/108; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/17; G01N21/25; G01N21/31; G01N21/35; G01N21/3504; H; H01; H01K; H01K1/00; H01K1/02; H01K1/04; G01N21/84; G01N2021/8466; G01N2201/00; G01N2201/06; G01N2201/061
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 81
Claim 1
Independent Claim
52 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer comprising: a source of infrared light; a flow cell adapted to contain a gas; a detector for converting infrared radiation to electrical signals; and said source of infrared light including combined means energized from a single source for serving as a getter and an emitter of infrared light.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
52 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer comprising: a source of infrared light; a flow cell adapted to contain a gas; a detector for converting infrared radiation to electrical signals; and said source of infrared light including combined means energized from a single source for serving as a getter and an emitter of infrared light.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 1 in which said source of infrared light is within a vacuum.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 2 in which said combined means energized from a single source for emitting infrared light and serving as a getter includes infrared light emitting portions and getter portions not spaced from each other by a distance greater than 1 nanometer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer according to claim 3 in which said source of infrared light emits light in a strong spectrum including light having a wavelength of 4.2 micrometers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 4 in which said source of infrared light emits lights having a bandwidth of at least 150 nanometers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 5 in which said source of infrared light includes means for emitting light having a bandwidth of at least 150 nanometers with a center point of substantially 4.2 micrometers.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
94 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 6 in which: said combined means energized from a single source for serving as a getter and as an emitter of infrared light includes reflective means located within a range of no more than 1 centimeter from said means for emitting infrared radiation for reflecting heat back to said means for emitting infrared radiation from at least 50 percent of its surface; and said reflector having a window aligned with said infrared light detector with an opening of area of between 0.05 to 20 square millimeters.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 7 having means for heating said source of infrared radiation to a temperature in the range of 600 K. to 2,000 K.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 8 in which said source of infrared radiation includes a sintered together getter material and infrared emitting material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 9 in which: said source of infrared radiation includes spectrographic grade carbon covering at least 60 percent of its outer surface; and said combined means including said spectrographic grade carbon being gas porous.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
48 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 1 in which said combined means energized from a single source for emitting infrared light and serving as a getter includes infrared light emitting portions and getter portions not spaced from each other by a distance greater than 1 nanometer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer according to claim 11 in which said source of infrared light emits light in a strong spectrum including light having a wavelength of 4.2 micrometers.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 12 in which said source of infrared light emits lights having a bandwidth of at least 150 nanometers.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
38 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 13 in which said source of infrared light includes a means for emitting light having a bandwidth of at least 150 nanometers with a center point of substantially 4.2 micrometers.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
94 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 14 in which: said combined means energized from a single source for serving as a getter and as an emitter of infrared light includes reflective means located within a range of no more than 1 centimeter from said means for emitting infrared radiation for reflecting heat back to said means for emitting infrared radiation from at least 50 percent of its surface; and said reflector having a window aligned with said infrared light detector with an opening of area of between 0.05 to 20 square millimeters.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 15 having means for heating said source of infrared radiation to a temperature in the range of 600 K. to 2,000 K.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 16 in which said source of infrared radiation includes a sintered together getter material and infrared emitting material.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
41 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 17 in which: said source of infrared radiation includes spectrographic grade carbon covering at least 60 percent of its outer surface; and said combined means including said spectrographic grade carbon being gas porous.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
29 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer according to claim 1 in which said source of infrared light emits light in a strong spectrum including light having a wavelength of 4.2 micrometers.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 19 in which said source of infrared light emits lights having a bandwidth of at least 150 nanometers.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
37 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 20 in which said source of infrared light includes means for emitting light having a bandwidth of at least 150 nanometers with a center point of substantially 4.2 micrometers.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
94 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 21 in which: said combined means energized from a single source for serving as a getter and as an emitter of infrared light includes reflective means located within a range of no more than 1 centimeter from said means for emitting infrared radiation for reflecting heat back to said means for emitting infrared radiation from at least 50 percent of its surface; and said reflector having a window aligned with said infrared light detector with an opening of area of between 0.05 to 20 square millimeters.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 22 having means for heating said source of infrared radiation to a temperature in the range of 600 K. to 2,000 K.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 23 in which said source of infrared radiation includes a sintered together getter material and infrared emitting material.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
41 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 24 in which: said source of infrared radiation includes spectrographic grade carbon covering at least 60 percent of its outer surface; and said combined means including said spectrographic grade carbon being gas porous.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
26 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 1 in which said source of infrared light emits lights having a bandwidth of at least 150 nanometers.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
37 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 26 in which said source of infrared light includes means for emitting light having a bandwidth of at least 150 nanometers with a center point of substantially 4.2 micrometers.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
94 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 27 in which: said combined means energized from a single source for serving as a getter and as an emitter of infrared light includes reflective means located within a range of no more than 1 centimeter from said means for emitting infrared radiation for reflecting heat back to said means for emitting infrared radiation from at least 50 percent of its surface; and said reflector having a window aligned with said infrared light detector with an opening of area of between 0.05 to 20 square millimeters.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
30 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 28 having means for heating said source of infrared radiation to a temperature in the range of 600 K. to 2,000 K.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
26 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 29 in which said source of infrared radiation includes a sintered together getter material and infrared emitting material.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
41 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 30 in which: said source of infrared radiation includes spectrographic grade carbon covering at least 60 percent of its outer surface; and said combined means including said spectrographic grade carbon being gas porous.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
37 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 1 in which said source of infrared light includes means for emitting light having a bandwidth of at least 150 nanometers with a center point of substantially 4.2 micrometers.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
94 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 32 in which: said combined means energized from a single source for serving as a getter and as an emitter of infrared light includes reflective means located within a range of no more than 1 centimeter from said means for emitting infrared radiation for reflecting heat back to said means for emitting infrared radiation from at least 50 percent of its surface; and said reflector having a window aligned with said infrared light detector with an opening of area of between 0.05 to 20 square millimeters.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
30 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 33 having means for heating said source of infrared radiation to a temperature in the range of 600 K. to 2,000 K.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
26 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 34 in which said source of infrared radiation includes a sintered together getter material and infrared emitting material.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
41 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 35 in which: said source of infrared radiation includes spectrographic grade carbon covering at least 60 percent of its outer surface; and said combined means including said spectrographic grade carbon being gas porous.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
94 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 1 in which: said combined means energized from a single source for serving as a getter and as an emitter of infrared light includes reflective means located within a range of no more than 1 centimeter from said means for emitting infrared radiation for reflecting heat back to said means for emitting infrared radiation from at least 50 percent of its surface; and said reflector having a window aligned with said infrared light detector with an opening of area of between 0.05 to 20 square millimeters.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
30 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 37 having means for heating said source of infrared radiation to a temperature in the range of 600 K. to 2,000 K.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
26 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 38 in which said source of infrared radiation includes a sintered together getter material and infrared emitting material.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
41 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 39 in which: said source of infrared radiation includes spectrographic grade carbon covering at least 60 percent of its outer surface; and said combined means including said spectrographic grade carbon being gas porous.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
30 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 1 having means for heating said source of infrared radiation to a temperature in the range of 600 K. to 2,000 K.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
26 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 41 in which said source of infrared radiation includes a sintered together getter material and infrared emitting material.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
41 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 42 in which: said source of infrared radiation includes spectrographic grade carbon covering at least 60 percent of its outer surface; and said combined means including said spectrographic grade carbon being gas porous.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
26 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 1 in which said source of infrared radiation includes a sintered together getter material and infrared emitting material.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
41 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 44 in which: said source of infrared radiation includes spectrographic grade carbon covering at least 60 percent of its outer surface; and said combined means including said spectrographic grade carbon being gas porous.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
41 words
A carbon dioxide analyzer in accordance with claim 1 in which: said source of infrared radiation includes spectrographic grade carbon covering at least 60 percent of its outer surface; and said combined means including said spectrographic grade carbon being gas porous.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
77 words
A method of generating infrared radiation comprising the steps of: applying electrical energy through a heater within a mass of sintered getter material and high emissivity material until the temperature of said material reaches a point at which the getter material operates efficiently without vaporization and the high emissivity material emits infrared radiation; and transmitting said radiation through a filter to select a range of frequencies, whereby infrared radiation within a selected range of frequencies is supplied.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
77 words
A method of generating infrared radiation comprising the steps of: applying electrical energy through a heater within a mass of sintered getter material and high emissivity material until the temperature of said material reaches a point at which the getter material operates efficiently without vaporization and the high emissivity material emits infrared radiation; and transmitting said radiation through a filter to select a range of frequencies, whereby infrared radiation within a selected range of frequencies is supplied.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method in accordance with claim 47 in which said step of transmitting said radiation through a filter includes the step of selecting frequencies within a waveband of 150 nanometers.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method according to claim 48 in which the step of transmitting said radiation through a filter includes the step of selecting a frequency within a band of at least 150 nanometers having within said band light of a wavelength of 4.2 microns.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method according to claim 47 in which the step of transmitting said radiation through a filter includes the step of selecting a frequency within a band of at least 150 nanometers having within said band light of a wavelength of 4.2 microns.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
79 words
A source of infrared radiation comprising: a heater; combined means in intimate contact with said heater for serving as both a getter and as an emitter of infrared radiation when heated by said heater; said heater and combined means being mounted in a vacuum; said combined means including powdered zirconium and carbon sintered together; and said source of infrared radiation further including a coat of spectrographic carbon over at least 50 percent of the surface of said combined means.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
79 words
A source of infrared radiation comprising: a heater; combined means in intimate contact with said heater for serving as both a getter and as an emitter of infrared radiation when heated by said heater; said heater and combined means being mounted in a vacuum; said combined means including powdered zirconium and carbon sintered together; and said source of infrared radiation further including a coat of spectrographic carbon over at least 50 percent of the surface of said combined means.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
A source of infrared radiation according to claim 51 further including reflector means spaced from said combined means for reflecting heat back to said combined means.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
29 words
A source of infrared radiation according to claim 52 in which said heater is an electrical heater and said combined means is formed at least partly about said heater.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
34 words
A source of infrared radiation according to claim 53 further including means for causing said heater to increase the temperature of said combined means to a temperature of between 600 K. and 2,000 K.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
68 words
A source of infrared radiation comprising: a heater; combined means in intimate contact with said heater for serving as both a getter and as an emitter of infrared radiation when heated by said heater; said combined means including powdered zirconium and carbon sintered together; said source of infrared radiation further including a coat of spectrographic carbon over at least 50 percent of the surface of said combined means.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
68 words
A source of infrared radiation comprising: a heater; combined means in intimate contact with said heater for serving as both a getter and as an emitter of infrared radiation when heated by said heater; said combined means including powdered zirconium and carbon sintered together; said source of infrared radiation further including a coat of spectrographic carbon over at least 50 percent of the surface of said combined means.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
26 words
A source of infrared radiation according to claim 55 further including reflector means spaced from said combined means for reflecting heat back to said combined means.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
29 words
A source of infrared radiation according to claim 56 in which said heater is an electrical heater and said combined means is formed at least partly about said heater.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
34 words
A source of infrared radiation according to claim 57 further including means for causing said heater to increase the temperature of said combined means to a temperature of between 600 K. and 2,000 K.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
58 words
A source of infrared radiation comprising: a heater; combined means in intimate contact with said heater for serving as both a getter and as an emitter of infrared radiation when heated by said heater; said source of infrared radiation further including a coat of spectrographic carbon over at least 50 percent of the surface of said combined means.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
58 words
A source of infrared radiation comprising: a heater; combined means in intimate contact with said heater for serving as both a getter and as an emitter of infrared radiation when heated by said heater; said source of infrared radiation further including a coat of spectrographic carbon over at least 50 percent of the surface of said combined means.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
26 words
A source of infrared radiation according to claim 59 further including reflector means spaced from said combined means for reflecting heat back to said combined means.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
29 words
A source of infrared radiation according to claim 60 in which said heater is an electrical heater and said combined means is formed at least partly about said heater.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
34 words
A source of infrared radiation according to claim 61 further including means for causing said heater to increase the temperature of said combined means to a temperature of between 600 K. and 2,000 K.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
56 words
A source of infrared radiation comprising: a heater; combined means in intimate contact with said heater for serving as both a getter and as an emitter of infrared radiation when heated by said heater; said source of infrared radiation further including reflector means spaced from said combined means for reflecting heat back to said combined means.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
56 words
A source of infrared radiation comprising: a heater; combined means in intimate contact with said heater for serving as both a getter and as an emitter of infrared radiation when heated by said heater; said source of infrared radiation further including reflector means spaced from said combined means for reflecting heat back to said combined means.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
29 words
A source of infrared radiation according to claim 63 in which said heater is an electrical heater and said combined means is formed at least partly about said heater.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
34 words
A source of infrared radiation according to claim 64 further including means for causing said heater to increase the temperature of said combined means to a temperature of between 600 K. and 2,000 K.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
52 words
A method of making an infrared light source comprising the steps of: sintering carbon and a getter material about a heater; coating the sintered mass with further carbon until at least 50 percent of the surface is carbon while maintaining porosity of the sintered material; and mounting said body within a vacuum.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
52 words
A method of making an infrared light source comprising the steps of: sintering carbon and a getter material about a heater; coating the sintered mass with further carbon until at least 50 percent of the surface is carbon while maintaining porosity of the sintered material; and mounting said body within a vacuum.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 66 in which the step of sintering together a getter material and carbon includes the step of singering together zirconium and carbon.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
56 words
An infrared light emitting unit comprising: a gas tight housing having within it a vacuum; said gas tight housing containing a single source of infrared radiation; said single source of infrared radiation including a heater and combined means for serving as both a getter and as an emitter of infrared radiation when heated by said heater.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
56 words
An infrared light emitting unit comprising: a gas tight housing having within it a vacuum; said gas tight housing containing a single source of infrared radiation; said single source of infrared radiation including a heater and combined means for serving as both a getter and as an emitter of infrared radiation when heated by said heater.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
59 words
An infrared source comprising: a heater; combined means in intimate contact with said heater for serving as both a getter and as an emitter of infrared radiation when heated by said heater; said combined means including means for providing infrared radiation with at least 60 percent emissivity covering at least 50 percent of the surface of said combined means.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
59 words
An infrared source comprising: a heater; combined means in intimate contact with said heater for serving as both a getter and as an emitter of infrared radiation when heated by said heater; said combined means including means for providing infrared radiation with at least 60 percent emissivity covering at least 50 percent of the surface of said combined means.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
27 words
An infrared source according to claim 69 in which said means for providing infrared radiation with at least 60 percent emmissivity includes a coat of spectrographic carbon.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
37 words
An infrared source according to claim 70 in which said means for providing infrared radiation with at least 60 percent emmissivity includes reflector means spaced from said combined means for reflecting heat back to said combined means.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
27 words
An infrared source according to claim 71 in which said heater is an electrical heater and said combined means is formed at least partly about said heater.
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) | 1992-02-07 | 1992-08-08 | 1993-02-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-02-07 | 1996-08-08 | 1997-02-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-02-07 | 2000-08-08 | 2001-02-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |