Mobay Corporation

Miles Inc.

Robert L Sandridge

Robert Nathan Hunt

A device for establishing an ambient temperature correction having (a) at least one reference surface which adequately represents the black body radiation spectrum of the air column between a long-path FTIR spectrometer and the infra-red source and (b) at least one means for shielding the reference surface from external sources of radiation gain or loss. In a preferred embodiment, the reference surface is made of thin metal having a blackened surface surrounded by an insulating shield. It is also preferred that a means for promoting positive air circulation across the reference surface or surfaces be included in the device of the present invention. This device is positioned in a location such that the field of view of the long-path FTIR spectrometer will be covered.

Ambient temperature reference device

An infrared source suitable for use as a remote source for infrared interferometer spectrometers. This device is composed of a heat source, a black body radiating element and a concave reflector. A support to maintain the heat source and black body radiating elements in proper position is also preferably included. The device of the present invention enhances the accuracy and sensitivity of gas sensing devices based upon measurement of background infrared radiation, and allows the remote infrared source to be used in locations in which ignitable materials may be present.

Low temperature infrared source

A particular area or areas are monitored for the presence of gaseous materials, particularly pollutants by analyzing background infrared radiation present in the selected area with a spectrometer and making the results of this analysis available in a form understandable to the person or device monitoring the area for the presence of specified gaseous materials. The results of the spectrometric analysis may, for example, be displayed on a video unit or they may be printed. Apparatus useful in the practice of this invention generally includes an interferometer of the Michaelson-Morely type having specific optical characteristics, a sensitive infrared detector, electronic data processor, and a device which records and/or displays the results of the determination(s). In a preferred embodiment, no radiation concentrating or focusing elements are used ahead of the beamsplitter of the Michelson-Morely interferometer, said interferometer having imaging optics which, combined with detector size, results in the optical field of view being essentially no larger than the area of the remote source employed.

Remote sensing gas analyzer

A particular area or areas are monitored for the presence of gaseous materials, particularly pollutants by collecting background radiation (both visible and infrared radiation) present in the selected area, analyzing the radiation collected with a spectrometer and making the results of this analysis available is a form understandable to the person or device moitoring the area for the presence of specified gaseous materials. The results of the spectrometric analysis may, for example, be displayed on a video unit or they may be printed. In a preferred embodiment, the results of the spectrometric analysis are displayed on a video unit simultaneously or sequentially with the image of the area from which the background radiation had been collected. Apparatus useful in the practice of this invention generally includes large energy collecting mirrors, an interferometer of the Michaelson-Morely type, a sensitive infrared detector, electronic data processing, and a device which records and/or displays the results of the determination(s). In a preferred apparatus, a 'hot' mirror, a video camera, a computer and a video display unit are also employed.

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Proctor, WV, United States of America

Robert L Sandridge