Testing apparatus for gas sensors
AssigneeDraeger Safety, Inc.
InventorPiers Richard Grove Warburton
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A gas sensor (8) includes a body (10) that is shaped to define a chamber (14). An electrolyte (34) is contained in the chamber (14) and three electrodes (26, 28 and 30) that are located on an electrode substrate (24) are disposed in contact with the electrolyte. The body (10) is electrically connected to the three electrodes. A cover (36) engages the body (10) to enclose the chamber (14). A resistor array (58a-58n) is located between the cover (36) and the electrode substrate (24). The resistors (58a-58n) are coated with a compound that emits a predetermined gas in response to temperature increase. To test the sensor (8) voltage is selectively applied to the resistor array (58a-58n) to introduce the gas to the gas diffusion path of the sensor (8).
Claims13
Apparatus for testing gas sensors, said testing apparatus comprising:
- means for generating an electrical voltage signal;
- a resistor that is electrically connected to said generating means and that increases temperature in response to the voltage signal of said generating means;
- and
- a coating on said resistor, said coating being made of a compound that emits a predetermined gas in response to an increase in the temperature of said resistor.
Apparatus for testing gas sensors, said testing apparatus comprising:
- means for generating an electrical voltage signal having substantially predetermined amplitude and duration;
- an array of resistors, each of said resistors being selectively connected to said generating means, each of said resistors increasing in temperature in response to the electrical voltage signal of said generating means;
- a coating on each of said resistors, said coating being of a compound that emits a predetermined gas In response to increases in the temperature of said resistor.
Apparatus for testing a gas sensor that provides an output signal in response to exposure to a predetermined gas, said testing apparatus comprising:
- means for generating an electrical voltage signal having substantially predetermined amplitude and duration;
- an array of resistors that are selectively electrically connected to said generating means;
- a coating on each of said resistors, said coating emitting a predetermined gas in response to an increase in the temperature of said coating;
- means for comparing the output signal of the gas sensor to the voltage signal of said generating means;
- and
- means for switching the generating means to another resistor in response to an output signal from said comparing means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.