Multi-point Gas Detector

• US 20150241345A1
• Filed: 08/21/2014
• Published: 08/27/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Original Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Inventors: Jin, Peng, Morales, Carlos M., Paska, Daniel Jerzy
• Granted Patent: US 9,651,532 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2021/4757 Geometry 0/45° or 45/0°
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2021/4769 Fluid samples, e.g. slurries, granulates; Compressible powdery of fibrous samples
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/474 Details of optical heads therefor, e.g. using optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/8483 Investigating reagent band test-element handling not specific to a test method G01N33/4875; analytical elements specific to chemical analysis of biological material G01N33/52; autometer with reagent band G01N35/04
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2201/062 LED's
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/0027 concerning the detector
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/0073 Control unit therefor

Abstract

A gas detection apparatus includes a housing which carries a plurality of light emitting diodes which are coupled in parallel and which emit substantially the same wavelength of radiant energy. A closed loop control circuit maintains the radiant energy output of the diodes at substantially a predetermined value. The radiant light radiant light and a sample of a gas of interest are directed to a sensing position at which a gas responsive tape is positioned. Reflected light from the tape is detected at a sensor displaced from the tape. A light collecting element can be positioned between the coupled diodes and the sensing position.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a housing wherein the housing defines a gas responsive tape port;

a multiple diode source wherein the multiple diodes emit radiant energy at substantially the same wavelength wherein the source is carried by the housing with a selected radiant energy emitting orientation;

a first sensor of radiant energy reflected from a predetermined location within the housing; and

a second sensor carried in the housing and responsive to emitted radiant energy emitted from the source.

2. An apparatus as in claim 1 where the emitting orientation of the source and the first sensor have an orientation substantially forty five degrees relative to one another.

3. An apparatus as in claim 1 which includes a collecting optical element between the source and the predetermined location.

4. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the second sensor is coupled to control circuitry which alters an energy output parameter of the source.

5. An apparatus as in claim 4 where the control circuits provide closed loop control signals to the source so that the source emits radiant energy at substantially a predetermined output value.

6. An apparatus as in claim 5 where the emitting orientation of the source and the first sensor have an orientation substantially forty five degrees relative to one another.

7. An apparatus as in claim 6 wherein the tape port defines the predetermined location.

8. An apparatus as in claim 7 where a predetermined tape can feed through the port adjacent to the predetermined location, and wherein radiant energy can be incident thereon.

9. An apparatus as in claim 8 which includes a collecting optical element between the source and the predetermined location.

10. An apparatus as in claim 9 with a radiant energy directing element to direct radiant energy to the second sensor.

11. An apparatus as in claim 1 which defines a plurality of gas responsive tape ports and an associated plurality of second sensors.

12. An apparatus comprising:

a housing wherein the housing defines a first plurality of substantial identical gas responsive tape ports;

a plurality of radiant energy sources carried by the housing where each member of the plurality is associated with a respective port and wherein the housing defines a first plurality of internal radiant energy paths, where each source is coupled to each port by a respective path; and

a second plurality of paths wherein each member of the second plurality is at an angle on the order of forty five degrees to a respective member of the first plurality; and

a plurality of radiant energy sensors with each sensor coupled to a member of the second plurality of paths.

13. An apparatus as in claim 12 which includes a radiant energy collecting element coupled between each source and the respective tape port.

14. An apparatus as in claim 12 which includes a strip which carries a plurality of light pipes wherein each member of the plurality of light pipes extends into a respective internal radiant energy path.

15. An apparatus as in claim 14 wherein each light pipe on the strip includes a cylindrical portion with a hemispherical light output region.

16. An apparatus as in claim 15 wherein each light pipe on the strip includes a planar input region.

17. An apparatus as in claim 16 wherein each light pipe on the strip is positioned adjacent to a radiant energy source.

18. An apparatus as in claim 17 where each source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes wherein each member of the plurality emits light of substantially the same wavelength.

19. An apparatus as in claim 12 which includes control circuits coupled to the sources and sensors.

20. An apparatus as in claim 18 which includes radiant energy feedback control circuits coupled to the diodes and a feedback sensor.