Appeal No. 97-1107 Page 3
Application No. 08/047,512
BACKGROUND
The appellant's invention relates to a gas analysis cell with an hourglass-like central waist. The
cell is used in a gas analysis system employing a fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. In use,
a gas is introduced into the cell and an IR beam is passed through the gas within the cell. After passing
through the gas, the IR beam is sensed by a detector. According to the specification at page 8,
because the cell has a reduced volume due to the central waist, the time it takes to purge the gas from
the cell is about one-third shorter than it would be in a conventional cylindrical cell. Claims 26 and 27
are representative of the subject matter on appeal and are reproduced below:
26. A gas analysis cell comprising an axially elongated cell body in a shape of a body of revolution
formed about an elongated axis, the body having a uniform thickness non-porous wall, a central waist
portion, first and second tapered portions extending axially in opposite directions from the waist portion
and uniformly tapering radially and axially outwardly from the waist portion, the waist portion being
narrower than the first and second portions, end portions on outer ends of the tapered portions and
radially extending windows at outer axial ends of the end portions closing the cell body, an inlet near
one end of the cell body and an outlet near another end of the cell body.
27. The gas analysis cell of claim 26, further comprising an internal tube fixed to the inlet and extending
into the cell body.
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