Patent ID: 6701789
Filing Date: 2004-03-09
Classification: G01L

Abstract:
A pressure gauging system based on the cold cathode-type detection for measuring the pressure in a plurality of separate vacuum systems by means of a single portable assembly, comprising:a plurality of gauge tube assemblies corresponding to the plurality of separate vacuum system separately mounted to communicate with a corresponding one of said plurality of separate vacuum systems, each tube assembly including a non-magnetic electrically conductive tube sealably engaging the housing of the corresponding vacuum system at one end so that the tube interior is in fluid communication with said vacuum system and extends outward from said vacuum system housing, said gauge tube forming a cathode electrode, an electrically insulated anode terminal assembly sealably connected to the opposite end of said gauge tube, a non-magnetic anode electrode disposed within said gauge tube in spaced relation therewith and connected to said anode terminal; a portable means adapted to removably engage the gauge tube of a selected one of said vacuum systems whose pressure is to be measured for applying a predetermined anode voltage and a magnetic field in the area of said anode and said cathode of the selected system gauge tube assembly and recording the current flow between said cathode and said anode as a measure of the pressure of the selected vacuum system.