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. 16, 2010
Filed:
Sep. 06, 2007
Robert E. Uber, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
John H. Reno, Ii, Valencia, PA (US);
Robert E. Uber, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
John H. Reno, II, Valencia, PA (US);
Mine Safety Appliances Company, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Abstract
A gas sensor includes a light source, a power source in operative connection with the light source and a control system in operative connection with the light source and the power supply. The control system is adapted to control power input from the power source to the light source such that the time period of the control frequency is shorter than the thermal time constant of at least one of (i) the infrared light source, (ii) the gas within the sensor, or (iii) a detector of the sensor. The time period of the control frequency can, for example, be no greater than ⅓ of the thermal time constant, no greater than 1/10 of the thermal time constant, or even no greater than 1/20 of the thermal time constant. A feedback signal can be provided to the control system assist in achieving control.