The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 17, 1987
Filed:
Jan. 21, 1986
John N Harman, III, Placentia, CA (US);
Radhakrishna M Neti, Brea, CA (US);
Beckman Industrial Corporation, LaHabra, CA (US);
Abstract
A solid state sensing element comprising a nonporous, structurally stable, electrically insulating substrate on which is disposed spaced apart pairs of electrodes for contact with moisture. A hygroscopic electrolytic material is located in close proximity to the electrodes as by coating the electrodes with the hygroscopic material. A catalyst is deposited in close proximity to the electrodes and is electrically insulated therefom. The electrodes are connected to a source of potential and current measuring instrumentation. Moisture is trapped by the hygroscopic material and electrolyzed at the electrodes. The catalyst recombines the hydrogen and oxygen thus formed to water so there is no net consumption of water by the element and equilibrium is established at the sensor surface and the atmosphere adjacent the sensor surface. Any change in partial pressure in the atmosphere adjacent the sensor surface is reflected by the movement of water molecules to the area of least concentration which produces a change in amount of moisture being electrolyzed and an increase or decrease in the current required by the element to electrolyze water.