Thomas E Rose

US Patent:

6476911, Nov 5, 2002

Filed:

Feb 20, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/701845

Inventors:

Thomas H. Rose - Raleigh NC 27606

International Classification:

G01N 2100

US Classification:

356337, 356342

Abstract:

An automatic setup backscatter particulate monitor includes a small source ( ) of narrow beam radiant energy directed into a gas stream containing particulates. A lens ( ) that is mounted behind the radiant energy source ( ) collects the energy reflected back from the particulates and concentrates it on a photodetector ( ). The beam is directed into duct at an angle greater than twice the beam spread, minimizing reflection off opposing wall surfaces. Internal radiant energy sources are periodically directed to the detector to verify system integrity. Backscattered energy is corrected for energy reflected from the opposite stack wall and for ambient energy.

US Patent:

20070090290, Apr 26, 2007

Filed:

Oct 4, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/242999

Inventors:

Thomas Rose - Raleigh NC, US

International Classification:

G02F 1/01

US Classification:

250330000

Abstract:

This invention allows an optical COmonitor to be used in the breathing loop of a rebreather by lowering the dew point of the gas to prevent condensation within the walls of the sample chamber. Gas flow is induced by a combination of aspiration driven by constant or intermittent flow of oxygen, oxygen enriched gas, and/or diluent gases and/or the pressure differential on a Pitot tube in the breathing loop. Dewpoint reduction is accomplished by counter current flow of dry oxygen, oxygen enriched gas, and/or diluent gases flowing on one side of a naflon or other suitable membrane with the other side of the membrane exposed to the breathing loop. The sample may be extracted either from the scrubbers or from the exhaust line after the scrubber. In one embodiment of the invention, the amount of scrubber usage can be determined by measurement of the proportion of Carbon Dioxide in the sample.