Title of Invention	WEATHERING APPARATUS
Abstract	A weathering apparatus has one or more UV radiation sources (2) and one or more first sensors (3), which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range. In a first aspect of the invention, the sensor or one of the first sensors (3) is calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range can be determined from its output signal. In a second aspect of the invention, a second sensor (4) is provided, which is calibrated for a second spectral sensitivity range.

Title of Invention

WEATHERING APPARATUS

Abstract

A weathering apparatus has one or more UV radiation sources (2) and one or more first sensors (3), which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range. In a first aspect of the invention, the sensor or one of the first sensors (3) is calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range can be determined from its output signal. In a second aspect of the invention, a second sensor (4) is provided, which is calibrated for a second spectral sensitivity range.

Full Text	Description The present invention relates to a weathering apparatus. In a weathering apparatus, the weather-dependent ageing behaviour of a sample, in particular of a flat material sample, is assessed, with the sample being subjected to artificial weathering. The weathering apparatus for this purpose normally has a weathering chamber, in which holding means are arranged for holding samples to be weathered, and in which; orie or more radiation' sources are arranged in order to apply radiation, in particular UV radiation, to the samples. Apparatuses for artificial weathering of material samples are generally used to estimate the life of materials which are continuously subjected to natural weather conditions during their use, and which thus deteriorate under climatic influences such as sunlight, solar heat, humidity and the like. In order to obtain a good simulation of the natural weathering characteristics, it is advantageous for the spectral energy distribution of the light produced in the apparatus to correspond as far as possible to that of the natural solar radiation, for which reason appliances such as these use xenon emitters as their radiation source. In addition, an accelerated ageing test of the materials is achieved essentially by illuminating the samples more intensively than the natural conditions, thus speeding up the ageing of the samples. A statement about the long-term ageing behaviour of a material sample can thus be made after a relatively short time. The majority of the material samples which are investigated in artificial weathering appliances are composed of polymer materials. The weather-dependent deterioration of polymer materials is caused substantially by the UV component of the solar radiation. The primary photochemical processes which take place in this case, that is to say the absorption of photons and the production of stimulated states or free radicals, are not dependent on the temperature. In contrast, the subsequent reaction steps with the polymers or additives may be dependent on the temperature, so that the observed ageing of the materials is likewise dependent on the temperature. One or more UV radiation sources, such as xenon radiation sources, is or are optionally used in the previously known weathering apparatuses. As is known, these allow the entire solar spectrum to be simulated quite well, in which case the relatively high spectral component in the infrared spectral range can be attenuated by suitable IR filters. The radiation power emitted from the UV radiation sources is measured by UV sensors, in which case it is-possible to provide for each UV radiation source to have its own associated UV sensor. The output signal from the UV sensors is supplied to a control and recording device in which the UV radiation powers can be recorded during a weathering process. Furthermore, the output signals from the UV sensors can be supplied to a control device, by means of which the electrical power to be supplied to the power supply devices for the UV radiation sources can be regulated at constant UV radiation power levels. It is known for broadband UV sensors to be used in weathering apparatuses, which have a sensitivity range in the range from 300 nm to 400 nm, in accordance with the IS Standard. However, there is also frequently a requirement for weathering processes to be carried out with the UV radiation power being measured using the NB Standard. In this Standard, the radiation power is optionally measured in the two narrowband ranges of 340 nm ± 10 nm or 420 ±10 nm, with the latter range being outside the UV range, in the visible, blue spectral range. However, in the prior art, there are only sensors which are calibrated for in each case one of the already mentioned three sensitivity ranges. Accordingly, if there is a wish to use a different standard for the radiation power measurement from one weathering process to the next, in particular based on a different sensitivity range, then it is either necessary to replace the sensors or, if this is not possible, a different weathering apparatus must be used. A change in the Standard for the measurement of the radiation power is accordingly associated with considerable effort and additional costs in the prior art. One object of the present invention is accordingly to specify a weathering apparatus which allows weathering processes to be carried out using different power measurement standards, with relatively little effort. This object is achieved by the weathering apparatus according to the present invention. The present invention provides a weathering apparatus comprising an UV radiation source and a first sensor, which is calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and which producers an output signal such as described herein representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein the first sensor is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a second spectral sensitivity range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range can be determined from said output signal in the manner such as described herein. A second sensor is preferably provided, which is calibrated for a third spectral sensitivity range. The first sensitivity range may extends from 300 nm to 400 nm, the second spectral sensitivity range may extend from 330 nm to 350 nm and the third spectral sensitivity range may extend from 410 nm to 430 nm. Preferably, at least two UV radiation sources are provided, one of which is in each case associated with one of the first sensors and detects essentially the UV radiation from the respectively associated UV radiation source. The second sensor is preferably associated with a UV radiation source that is used as a reference radiation source, and detects essentially the radiation from the reference radiation source. The radiation power from a UV radiation source in the third spectral sensitivity range can be derived from the output signal from its associated first sensor and the output signals from the first sensor and from the second sensor for the reference radiation source. The present invention also provides a weathering apparatus comprising one or more UV radiation sources; and one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range can be determined from its output signal, wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, which connects the first wall and the second wall, and in particular-are inserted into openings in the third wall. The samples to be weathered are held by the second wall or by a holding plate. At least two UV radiation sources are provided, one of which is in each case associated with one of the first sensors and detects essentially the UV radiation from the respectively associated UV radiation source. The second sensor is preferably associated with a UV radiation source that is used as a reference radiation source, and detects essentially the radiation from the reference radiation source. The present invention further provides a weathering apparatus comprising one or more UV radiation sources, and one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range can be determined from its output signal, wherein the first sensitivity range extends from 300 nm to 400 nm, and wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, which connects the first wall and the second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall. The present invention still further provides a weathering apparatus comprising one or more UV radiation sources, and one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range can be determined from its output signal, wherein a second sensor is provided, which is calibrated, for a second sensltivity range, wherein the second sensor is associated with a UV radiation source that is used as a reference radiation source, and detects essentially only the radiation from the reference radiation source, and wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, which connects the first wall and the second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall. The present invention till further provides a weathering apparatus comprising one or more UV radiation sources, and one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range can be determined from its output signal, wherein a second sensor is provided, which is calibrated for a second spectral sensitivity range, and wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, which connects the first wall and the second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall. The present invention still further provides a weathering apparatus comprising one or more UV radiation sources, and one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range can be determined from its output signal, wherein a second sensor is provided, which is calibrated for a second, spectral sensitivity range wherein the Second spectral sensitivity range extends from 410 nm to 430 nm, and wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, and, which connects the first wall and the second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall. The present invention still further provides a weathering apparatus comprising one or more UV radiation sources, and one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiaiion power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range can be determined from its output signal, wherein a second sensor is provided, which is calibrated for a second spectral sensitivity range, wherein the first sensitivity range extends from 300 nm to 400 nm, and wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, which connects the first wall and the second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall. The present invention still further provides a weathering apparatus comprising one or more UV radiation sources, and one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range can be determined from its output signal, wherein a second sensor is provided- which is calibrated for a second spectral sensitivity range, wherein the second spectral sensitivity range extends from 410 nm to 430 nm, and wherein the second sensor is associated with a UV radiation source that is used as a reference radiation source, and detects essentially only the radiation from the reference radiation source, and wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, and, which connects the first wall and the second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall. A weathering apparatus in accordance with the present invention has one or more UV radiation sources and one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range. The first sensitivity range may be a broadband range from 300 nm to 400 nm. One major idea according to a first aspect of the present invention relates to the first sensor or one of the first sensors additionally being calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first sensitivity range can be determined from its output signal. This spectral range may in this case extend from 330 nm to 350 nm, and thus corresponds to the measurement range of 340 nm ± 10 nm, as specified in the NB Standard. One major idea according to a second aspect of the present invention relates to a second sensor being provided in addition to the first sensor or sensors, and being calibrated for a second spectral sensitivity range. This second spectral sensitivity range may extend from 410 nm to 4 30 nm, and thus corresponds to the measurement range of 420 nm ± 10 nm, as likewise specified in the NB Standard. This range is outside the UV, in the visible blue spectral range. A measurement in this range thus makes use of the fact that certain UV radiation sources also emit in the adjacent visible spectral range, and the radiation power in this measurement range has a constant ratio to the radiation power in the UV range. The two aspects of the present invention can be combined with one another in a particularly advantageous manner, thus making it possible to record all three spectral ranges, as mentioned further above, for measurement purposes in one weathering process using a small number of sensors in one weathering apparatus. This becomes more significant, the greater the number of UV radiation sources in the weathering apparatus. One advantageous refinement of the invention is for the weathering apparatus to have a number of UV radiation sources, one of which is in each case associated with one of the first sensors and detects essentially only the UV radiation from the respectively associated UV radiation source. By way of example, the weathering apparatus may have two, three or even more than three UV radiation sources and may have a corresponding number of first sensors, which are each arranged in such a way that they detect only the radiation from the respectively associated radiation source. In the case of three UV radiation sources in the weathering apparatus, it is sufficient - as will be seen later - to use four sensors in order to record the three sensitivity ranges (as mentioned further above) for measurement purposes, while a total of nine sensors would be necessary for this purpose in conventional appliances. However, according to the invention, it is also possible to provide for the weathering apparatus to have only a single UV radiation source. It is then possible to arrange one and only one first sensor in the weathering apparatus, and to additionally calibrate this first sensor for the spectral range within the first sensitivity range. Additionally or as an alternative to this, a second sensor can then be provided so that a total of two sensors would be provided in a case such as this. In the second aspect of the present invention, the second sensor is preferably associated with one specific UV radiation source (reference radiation source) of a number of UV radiation sources, and it detects essentially only the radiation emitted by this associated UV radiation source in the second sensitivity range. This second sensor can then also be used to derive the radiation powers from the other UV radiation sources in the second spectral sensitivity range from the output signal from its associated first sensor and the output signals: from the first and the second sensor for the reference radiation source. According to a further advantageous embodiment, the weathering apparatus according to the invention has a weathering chamber in which the UV radiation sources and the sensors are accommodated, wherein the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, and the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the sensors are fitted to a third wall, which connects the first wall and the second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall. In this case, the sensors are preferably used in such a way that they are aligned at an inclined angle to the respective UV radiation sources associated with them. One exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be explained in more detail in the following text with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a weathering apparatus according to the invention; Figure 2 shows the spectral position of the three measurement ranges specified in the IS and NB Standards. Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section through a weathering chamber 1 in a weathering apparatus. Openings in which UV radiation sources 2 are inserted are provided in one longitudinal wall of the weathering chamber 1. In the present case, the UV radiation sources 2 are formed by xenon radiation sources. The discharge tubes, which are filled with xenon, are surrounded by metallic reflectors in a known manner in each radiation source 2, so that virtually all of the radiation emitted from the radiation source 2 enters the interior of the weathering chamber 1. Infrared filters may be placed in front of the radiation sources 2 to remove the relatively high infrared component from the spectrum emitted by xenon lamps. The inner walls of the weathering chamber 1 are advantageously coated with aluminium in order to increase the degree of reflection in the UV range and thus likewise to use the UV radiation reflected on the inner walls for application to the samples. Halogen lamps, in particular metal-halogen lamps, fluorescent lamps or UV light-emitting diodes may also be used as UV radiation sources, instead of xenon lamps. A holding plate 5, which is mounted in the weathering chamber 1, is located opposite the UV radiation sources 2 in order to accommodate and hold material samples 6 to be weathered and temperature sensors such as a blackboard or black standard sensor 7. The beam path of the radiation emitted from the UV radiation sources 2 is illustrated by means of arrows. This results in a three-dimensionally virtually constant radiation power on the plane of the material samples 5. Sensors 3 and 4 are provided for the measurement of the UV radiation power, and are inserted into openings in a wall of the weathering chamber 1, with this wall being located at right angles to that wall of the weathering chamber 1 to which the UV radiation sources 2 are fitted. The sensors 3 and 4 are thus inclined at an angle to the UV radiation sources 2. In the present exemplary embodiment, the weathering apparatus has three UV radiation sources 2. Each of the three UV radiation sources 2 has a respectively associated broadband UV sensor 3, which has a sensitivity range from 300 nm to 400 nm and whose output signal is thus a measure of the radiation power emitted by the respectively associated UV radiation source 2 in this spectral range. The weathering apparatus can thus carry out weathering processes with the UV radiation power being measured progressively using the IS Standard, that is to say for the UV bandwidth from 300 nm to 400 nm. However, according to the invention, the weathering apparatus is intended to be able to additionally record the weathering process for measurement purposes using different radiation power data in other bandwidths. For this purpose, one of the UV sensors 3 is calibrated not only for the range from 300 nm to 400 nm but additionally for the spectral range from 330 nm to 350 nm, which is within this spectral range. In Figure 2, the sensitivity range of the UV sensors 3 and the spectral range of 340 nm ± 10 nm, which is contained in this range, are represented by the curves IS and NB1. By way of example, the relevant UV sensor 3 will have been calibrated in advance by means of a UV radiation source and a narrowband UV sensor for the range from 330 nm to 350 nm, in such a way that a conversion factor for the radiation power in the narrowband range is determined from its output signal for the broadband range. This conversion factor may turn out to be a constant parameter from this calibration; however, it is also possible for the conversion factor to be a variable parameter, so that a different conversion factor must be used for calculation of the radiation power in the narrowband range for each output signal from the UV sensor 3 for the broadband range. The relevant UV sensor 3 may in this case likewise be calibrated by means of one of the UV radiation sources 2 within the weathering chamber 1 in the weathering apparatus, in which case the UV sensor 3 and a narrowband UV sensor for the range from 330 nm to 350 nm are subjected to the UV radiation from one of the UV radiation sources, and the output signals from the UV sensors are compared with one another, while the radiation power from the UV radiation source is being varied, with the conversion factor being determined in this way. This calibration, which is carried out in advance using one of the UV sensors 3, in the range 340 nm ± 10 nm can then also be used for the other UV sensors 3 during a weathering process, with their output signal for the broadband range being converted by means of the conversion factor to a radiation power in the narrowband range. The three existing UV sensors 3 can thus be used to carry out a weathering process, with the UV radiation power of the three UV sensors 3 in this case being recorded in the broadband range or in the narrowband range. Additionally or as an alternative to this, it is possible to provide the capability to record the UV radiation power in a narrowband range at 420 nm ± 10 nm according to the NB Standard. This range is outside the UV, and the broadband sensitivity range from 300 nm to 400 nm of the UV sensors 3, as can be seen from the curve NB2 in Figure 2. An additional sensor 4, which has a sensitivity range from 410 nm to 430 nm, is thus arranged within the weathering chamber 1 and is positioned in such a way that it records only the radiation from one specific UV radiation source 2. As illustrated, it can be placed, in an opening in the side wall, in such a way that it is positioned above the UV sensor 3 associated with this UV radiation source 2 and, like this, is aligned at an inclined angle with respect to the UV radiation source 2. During a weathering process, these two sensors 3 and 4 thus measure the radiation power emitted from the UV radiation source 2 associated with them in the broadband range and in the narrowband range. This UV radiation source is used, so to speak, as a reference radiation source. Only the broadband UV sensors 3 are associated with the other UV radiation sources 2, so that, initially, they directly measure only the radiation power in the broadband range. However, the broadband radiation power measured by them can be used to deduce the radiation power in the narrowband range by relating the radiation powers UV300-400 and VIS420 measured by the first sensor 3 and the second sensor 4 of the reference radiation source, and by applying them to the broadband radiation power, in particular multiplying them by this. Within certain tolerances, there is a fixed ratio between VIS420/UV300-400. This value determined for the reference radiation source can be multiplied by the UV300-400 values of the other radiation sources in order to calculate their VIS420 values. It is thus possible to record the radiation powers of the UV radiation sources 2 by the use of only one additional sensor 4 during a weathering process in accordance with the NB Standard, for the narrowband UV range 420 nm ± 10 nm, as well. Thus, when using both aspects of the invention in the described exemplary embodiment, just four sensors are sufficient instead of nine sensors as in the prior art. In general terms, where 3N sensors are required in the prior art for the N radiation sources, 2N-1 sensors can be saved according to the invention, since only N+l sensors are required. WE CLAIM : 1. Weathering apparatus comprising: - an UV radiation source and - a first sensor, which is calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and which produces an output signal such as described herein representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein the first sensor is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a second spectral sensitivity range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range can be determined from said output signal in the manner such as described herein. 2. Weathering apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a second sensor is provided, which is calibrated for a third spectral sensitivity range. 3. Weathering apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the first sensitivity range extends from 300 nm to 400 nm. 4. Weathering apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the second spectral sensitivity range extends from 330 nm to 350 nm. 5. Weathering apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the third spectral sensitivity range extends from 410 nm to 430 nm. 6. Weathering apparatus as claimed in Claims 1, 2 or 5, wherein at least two UV radiation sources are provided, one of which is in each case associated with one of the first sensors and detects essentially the UV radiation from the respectively associated UV radiation source. 7. Weathering apparatus as claimed in Claims 2 and 5, wherein the second sensor is associated with a UV radiation source that is used as a reference radiation source, and detects essentially the radiation from the reference radiation source. 8. Weathering apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the radiation power from a UV radiation source in the third spectral sensitivity range can be derived from the output signal from its associated first sensor and the output signals from the first sensor and from the second sensor for the reference radiation source. 9. Weathering apparatus comprising: - one or more UV radiation sources; and - one or more first sensors which are calibrated fora first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range can be determined from its output signal; wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, which connects the first wall and the second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall. 10. Weathering apparatus as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the samples to be weathered are held by the second wall or by a holding plate. 11. Weathering apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein at least two UV radiation sources are provided, one of which is in each case associated with one of the first sensors and detects essentially the UV radiation from the respectively associated UV radiation source. 12. Weathering apparatus as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the second sensor is associated with a UV radiation source that is used as a reference radiation source, and detects essentially the radiation from the reference radiation source. 13. Weathering apparatus comprising: - one or more UV radiation sources; and - one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range can be determined from its output signal; wherein the first sensitivity range extends from 300 nm to 400 nm; and wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, which connects the first wall and the second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall. 14. Weathering apparatus comprising: - one or more UV radiation sources; and - one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein - one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range can be determined from its output signal; wherein a second sensor is provided, which is calibrated for a second sensitivity range; wherein the second sensor is associated with a UV radiation source that is used as a reference radiation source, and detects essentially only the radiation from the reference radiation source; and wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and • the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, which connects the first wall and the second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall. 15. Weathering apparatus comprising: - one or more UV radiation sources; and - one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range. wherein one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range can be determined from its output signal; wherein a second sensor is provided, which is calibrated for a second spectral sensitivity range; and wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, which connects the first wall and the second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall. 16. Weathering apparatus comprising: - one or more UV radiation sources; and - one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein - one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range can be determined from its output signal; wherein a second sensor is provided, which is calibrated for a second spectral sensitivity range; wherein the second spectral sensitivity range extends from 410 nm to 430 nm; and wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, and, which connects the first wall and the second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall. 17. Weathering apparatus comprising: - one or more UV radiation sources; and - one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range can be determined from its output signal; wherein a second sensor is provided, which is calibrated for a second spectral sensitivity range; wherein the first sensitivity range extends from 300 nm to 400 nm; and wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, which connects the first wall and the second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall 18. Weathering apparatus comprising: - one or more UV radiation sources; and - one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range can be determined from its output signal; wherein a second sensor is provided, which is calibrated for a second spectral sensitivity range; wherein the second spectral sensitivity range extends from 410 nm to 430 nm; and wherein the second sensor is associated with a UV radiation source that is used as a reference radiation source, and detects essentially only the radiation from the reference radiation source; and wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, and, which connects the first wall and the second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall. 19. A weathering apparatus, substantially as herein described, particularly with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. A weathering apparatus has one or more UV radiation sources (2) and one or more first sensors (3), which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range. In a first aspect of the invention, the sensor or one of the first sensors (3) is calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range can be determined from its output signal. In a second aspect of the invention, a second sensor (4) is provided, which is calibrated for a second spectral sensitivity range.

Full Text

Description
The present invention relates to a weathering apparatus.
In a weathering apparatus, the weather-dependent ageing behaviour of a sample, in
particular of a flat material sample, is assessed, with the sample being subjected to
artificial weathering. The weathering apparatus for this purpose normally has a
weathering chamber, in which holding means are arranged for holding samples to be
weathered, and in which; orie or more radiation' sources are arranged in order to
apply radiation, in particular UV radiation, to the samples.
Apparatuses for artificial weathering of material samples are generally used to
estimate the life of materials which are continuously subjected to natural weather
conditions during their use, and which thus deteriorate under climatic influences
such as sunlight, solar heat, humidity and the like. In order to obtain a good
simulation of the natural weathering characteristics, it is advantageous for the
spectral energy distribution of the light produced in the apparatus to correspond as
far as possible to that of the natural solar radiation, for which reason appliances
such as these use xenon emitters as their radiation source. In addition, an
accelerated ageing test of the materials is achieved essentially by illuminating the
samples more intensively than the natural conditions, thus speeding up the ageing
of the samples. A statement about the long-term ageing behaviour of a material
sample can thus be made after a relatively short time.
The majority of the material samples which are investigated in artificial weathering
appliances are composed of polymer materials. The weather-dependent
deterioration of polymer materials is caused substantially by the UV component of
the solar radiation. The primary photochemical processes which take place in this
case, that is to say the absorption of photons and the production of stimulated states
or free radicals, are not dependent on the temperature. In contrast, the subsequent
reaction steps with the polymers or additives may be dependent on the temperature,
so that the observed ageing of the materials is likewise dependent on the
temperature.

One or more UV radiation sources, such as xenon radiation sources, is or are
optionally used in the previously known weathering apparatuses. As is known, these
allow the entire solar spectrum to be simulated quite well, in which case the relatively
high spectral component in the infrared spectral range can be attenuated by suitable
IR filters.
The radiation power emitted from the UV radiation sources is measured by UV
sensors, in which case it is-possible to provide for each UV radiation source to have
its own associated UV sensor. The output signal from the UV sensors is supplied to
a control and recording device in which the UV radiation powers can be recorded
during a weathering process. Furthermore, the output signals from the UV sensors
can be supplied to a control device, by means of which the electrical power to be
supplied to the power supply devices for the UV radiation sources can be regulated
at constant UV radiation power levels.
It is known for broadband UV sensors to be used in weathering apparatuses, which
have a sensitivity range in the range from 300 nm to 400 nm, in accordance with the
IS Standard. However, there is also frequently a requirement for weathering
processes to be carried out with the UV radiation power being measured using the
NB Standard. In this Standard, the radiation power is optionally measured in the two
narrowband ranges of 340 nm ± 10 nm or 420 ±10 nm, with the latter range being
outside the UV range, in the visible, blue spectral range. However, in the prior art,
there are only sensors which are calibrated for in each case one of the already
mentioned three sensitivity ranges. Accordingly, if there is a wish to use a different
standard for the radiation power measurement from one weathering process to the
next, in particular based on a different sensitivity range, then it is either necessary to
replace the sensors or, if this is not possible, a different weathering apparatus must
be used.
A change in the Standard for the measurement of the radiation power is accordingly
associated with considerable effort and additional costs in the prior art.

One object of the present invention is accordingly to specify a weathering apparatus
which allows weathering processes to be carried out using different power
measurement standards, with relatively little effort.
This object is achieved by the weathering apparatus according to the present
invention. The present invention provides a weathering apparatus comprising an UV
radiation source and a first sensor, which is calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity
range in the UV and which producers an output signal such as described herein
representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein
the first sensor is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a
second spectral sensitivity range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity
range can be determined from said output signal in the manner such as described
herein.
A second sensor is preferably provided, which is calibrated for a third spectral
sensitivity range. The first sensitivity range may extends from 300 nm to 400 nm, the
second spectral sensitivity range may extend from 330 nm to 350 nm and the third
spectral sensitivity range may extend from 410 nm to 430 nm. Preferably, at least
two UV radiation sources are provided, one of which is in each case associated with
one of the first sensors and detects essentially the UV radiation from the
respectively associated UV radiation source. The second sensor is preferably
associated with a UV radiation source that is used as a reference radiation source,
and detects essentially the radiation from the reference radiation source. The
radiation power from a UV radiation source in the third spectral sensitivity range can
be derived from the output signal from its associated first sensor and the output
signals from the first sensor and from the second sensor for the reference radiation
source.
The present invention also provides a weathering apparatus comprising one or more
UV radiation sources; and one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first
spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is
representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein

one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation
power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range
can be determined from its output signal, wherein the weathering apparatus has a
weathering chamber in which the UV radiation sources and the UV sensors are
accommodated, the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the
weathering chamber, the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second
wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall,
which connects the first wall and the second wall, and in particular-are inserted into
openings in the third wall.
The samples to be weathered are held by the second wall or by a holding plate. At
least two UV radiation sources are provided, one of which is in each case associated
with one of the first sensors and detects essentially the UV radiation from the
respectively associated UV radiation source. The second sensor is preferably
associated with a UV radiation source that is used as a reference radiation source,
and detects essentially the radiation from the reference radiation source.
The present invention further provides a weathering apparatus comprising one or
more UV radiation sources, and one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a
first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is
representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein
one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation
power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range
can be determined from its output signal, wherein the first sensitivity range extends
from 300 nm to 400 nm, and wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering
chamber in which the UV radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated,
the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber,
the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite
the first wall, and the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, which connects the first
wall and the second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third
wall.

The present invention still further provides a weathering apparatus comprising one
or more UV radiation sources, and one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for
a first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which
is representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein
one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation
power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range
can be determined from its output signal, wherein a second sensor is provided,
which is calibrated, for a second sensltivity range, wherein the second sensor is
associated with a UV radiation source that is used as a reference radiation source,
and detects essentially only the radiation from the reference radiation source, and
wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV
radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation sources
are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to be
weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the
UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, which connects the first wall and the second
wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall.
The present invention till further provides a weathering apparatus comprising one or
more UV radiation sources, and one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a
first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is
representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein
one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation
power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range
can be determined from its output signal, wherein a second sensor is provided,
which is calibrated for a second spectral sensitivity range, and wherein the
weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV radiation sources
and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation sources are arranged
along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to be weathered are
arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the UV sensors
are fitted to a third wall, which connects the first wall and the second wall, and in
particular are inserted into openings in the third wall.

The present invention still further provides a weathering apparatus comprising one
or more UV radiation sources, and one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for
a first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which
is representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein
one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation
power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range
can be determined from its output signal, wherein a second sensor is provided,
which is calibrated for a second, spectral sensitivity range wherein the Second
spectral sensitivity range extends from 410 nm to 430 nm, and wherein the
weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV radiation sources
and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation sources are arranged
along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to be weathered are
arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the UV sensors
are fitted to a third wall, and, which connects the first wall and the second wall, and
in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall.
The present invention still further provides a weathering apparatus comprising one
or more UV radiation sources, and one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for
a first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which
is representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein
one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiaiion
power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range
can be determined from its output signal, wherein a second sensor is provided,
which is calibrated for a second spectral sensitivity range, wherein the first sensitivity
range extends from 300 nm to 400 nm, and wherein the weathering apparatus has a
weathering chamber in which the UV radiation sources and the UV sensors are
accommodated, the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the
weathering chamber, the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second
wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall,
which connects the first wall and the second wall, and in particular are inserted into
openings in the third wall.

The present invention still further provides a weathering apparatus comprising one
or more UV radiation sources, and one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for
a first spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce an output signal which
is representative of the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range, wherein
one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation
power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range
can be determined from its output signal, wherein a second sensor is provided-
which is calibrated for a second spectral sensitivity range, wherein the second
spectral sensitivity range extends from 410 nm to 430 nm, and wherein the second
sensor is associated with a UV radiation source that is used as a reference radiation
source, and detects essentially only the radiation from the reference radiation
source, and wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which
the UV radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation
sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to
be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and
the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, and, which connects the first wall and the
second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall.
A weathering apparatus in accordance with the present invention has one or more
UV radiation sources and one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first

spectral sensitivity range in the UV and each produce
an output signal which is representative of the
radiation power received in the first sensitivity
range. The first sensitivity range may be a broadband
range from 300 nm to 400 nm.
One major idea according to a first aspect of the
present invention relates to the first sensor or one of
the first sensors additionally being calibrated in such
a way that the radiation power of a spectral range
which is located within the first sensitivity range can
be determined from its output signal.
This spectral range may in this case extend from 330 nm
to 350 nm, and thus corresponds to the measurement
range of 340 nm ± 10 nm, as specified in the NB
Standard.
One major idea according to a second aspect of the
present invention relates to a second sensor being
provided in addition to the first sensor or sensors,
and being calibrated for a second spectral sensitivity
range.
This second spectral sensitivity range may extend from
410 nm to 4 30 nm, and thus corresponds to the
measurement range of 420 nm ± 10 nm, as likewise
specified in the NB Standard. This range is outside the
UV, in the visible blue spectral range. A measurement
in this range thus makes use of the fact that certain
UV radiation sources also emit in the adjacent visible
spectral range, and the radiation power in this
measurement range has a constant ratio to the radiation
power in the UV range.
The two aspects of the present invention can be
combined with one another in a particularly
advantageous manner, thus making it possible to record

all three spectral ranges, as mentioned further above,
for measurement purposes in one weathering process
using a small number of sensors in one weathering
apparatus.
This becomes more significant, the greater the number
of UV radiation sources in the weathering apparatus.
One advantageous refinement of the invention is for the
weathering apparatus to have a number of UV radiation
sources, one of which is in each case associated with
one of the first sensors and detects essentially only
the UV radiation from the respectively associated UV
radiation source. By way of example, the weathering
apparatus may have two, three or even more than three
UV radiation sources and may have a corresponding
number of first sensors, which are each arranged in
such a way that they detect only the radiation from the
respectively associated radiation source.
In the case of three UV radiation sources in the
weathering apparatus, it is sufficient - as will be
seen later - to use four sensors in order to record the
three sensitivity ranges (as mentioned further above)
for measurement purposes, while a total of nine sensors
would be necessary for this purpose in conventional
appliances.
However, according to the invention, it is also
possible to provide for the weathering apparatus to
have only a single UV radiation source. It is then
possible to arrange one and only one first sensor in
the weathering apparatus, and to additionally calibrate
this first sensor for the spectral range within the
first sensitivity range. Additionally or as an
alternative to this, a second sensor can then be
provided so that a total of two sensors would be
provided in a case such as this.

In the second aspect of the present invention, the second sensor is preferably
associated with one specific UV radiation source (reference radiation source) of a
number of UV radiation sources, and it detects essentially only the radiation emitted
by this associated UV radiation source in the second sensitivity range. This second
sensor can then also be used to derive the radiation powers from the other UV
radiation sources in the second spectral sensitivity range from the output signal from
its associated first sensor and the output signals: from the first and the second
sensor for the reference radiation source.
According to a further advantageous embodiment, the weathering apparatus
according to the invention has a weathering chamber in which the UV radiation
sources and the sensors are accommodated, wherein the UV radiation sources are
arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, and the samples to be
weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the
sensors are fitted to a third wall, which connects the first wall and the second wall,
and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall.
In this case, the sensors are preferably used in such a way that they are aligned at
an inclined angle to the respective UV radiation sources associated with them.
One exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be explained in more detail
in the following text with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a weathering apparatus according to the
invention;
Figure 2 shows the spectral position of the three

measurement ranges specified in the IS and NB
Standards.
Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section through a
weathering chamber 1 in a weathering apparatus.
Openings in which UV radiation sources 2 are inserted
are provided in one longitudinal wall of the weathering
chamber 1. In the present case, the UV radiation
sources 2 are formed by xenon radiation sources. The
discharge tubes, which are filled with xenon, are
surrounded by metallic reflectors in a known manner in
each radiation source 2, so that virtually all of the
radiation emitted from the radiation source 2 enters
the interior of the weathering chamber 1. Infrared
filters may be placed in front of the radiation sources
2 to remove the relatively high infrared component from
the spectrum emitted by xenon lamps. The inner walls of
the weathering chamber 1 are advantageously coated with
aluminium in order to increase the degree of reflection
in the UV range and thus likewise to use the UV
radiation reflected on the inner walls for application
to the samples.
Halogen lamps, in particular metal-halogen lamps,
fluorescent lamps or UV light-emitting diodes may also
be used as UV radiation sources, instead of xenon
lamps.
A holding plate 5, which is mounted in the weathering
chamber 1, is located opposite the UV radiation sources
2 in order to accommodate and hold material samples 6
to be weathered and temperature sensors such as a
blackboard or black standard sensor 7. The beam path of
the radiation emitted from the UV radiation sources 2
is illustrated by means of arrows. This results in a
three-dimensionally virtually constant radiation power
on the plane of the material samples 5.

Sensors 3 and 4 are provided for the measurement of the
UV radiation power, and are inserted into openings in a
wall of the weathering chamber 1, with this wall being
located at right angles to that wall of the weathering
chamber 1 to which the UV radiation sources 2 are
fitted. The sensors 3 and 4 are thus inclined at an
angle to the UV radiation sources 2.
In the present exemplary embodiment, the weathering
apparatus has three UV radiation sources 2. Each of the
three UV radiation sources 2 has a respectively
associated broadband UV sensor 3, which has a
sensitivity range from 300 nm to 400 nm and whose
output signal is thus a measure of the radiation power
emitted by the respectively associated UV radiation
source 2 in this spectral range.
The weathering apparatus can thus carry out weathering
processes with the UV radiation power being measured
progressively using the IS Standard, that is to say for
the UV bandwidth from 300 nm to 400 nm. However,
according to the invention, the weathering apparatus is
intended to be able to additionally record the
weathering process for measurement purposes using
different radiation power data in other bandwidths. For
this purpose, one of the UV sensors 3 is calibrated not
only for the range from 300 nm to 400 nm but
additionally for the spectral range from 330 nm to
350 nm, which is within this spectral range. In
Figure 2, the sensitivity range of the UV sensors 3 and
the spectral range of 340 nm ± 10 nm, which is
contained in this range, are represented by the curves
IS and NB1. By way of example, the relevant UV sensor 3
will have been calibrated in advance by means of a UV
radiation source and a narrowband UV sensor for the
range from 330 nm to 350 nm, in such a way that a
conversion factor for the radiation power in the
narrowband range is determined from its output signal

for the broadband range. This conversion factor may
turn out to be a constant parameter from this
calibration; however, it is also possible for the
conversion factor to be a variable parameter, so that a
different conversion factor must be used for
calculation of the radiation power in the narrowband
range for each output signal from the UV sensor 3 for
the broadband range.
The relevant UV sensor 3 may in this case likewise be
calibrated by means of one of the UV radiation sources
2 within the weathering chamber 1 in the weathering
apparatus, in which case the UV sensor 3 and a
narrowband UV sensor for the range from 330 nm to
350 nm are subjected to the UV radiation from one of
the UV radiation sources, and the output signals from
the UV sensors are compared with one another, while the
radiation power from the UV radiation source is being
varied, with the conversion factor being determined in
this way.
This calibration, which is carried out in advance using
one of the UV sensors 3, in the range 340 nm ± 10 nm
can then also be used for the other UV sensors 3 during
a weathering process, with their output signal for the
broadband range being converted by means of the
conversion factor to a radiation power in the
narrowband range. The three existing UV sensors 3 can
thus be used to carry out a weathering process, with
the UV radiation power of the three UV sensors 3 in
this case being recorded in the broadband range or in
the narrowband range.
Additionally or as an alternative to this, it is
possible to provide the capability to record the UV
radiation power in a narrowband range at 420 nm ± 10 nm
according to the NB Standard. This range is outside the
UV, and the broadband sensitivity range from 300 nm to

400 nm of the UV sensors 3, as can be seen from the
curve NB2 in Figure 2. An additional sensor 4, which
has a sensitivity range from 410 nm to 430 nm, is thus
arranged within the weathering chamber 1 and is
positioned in such a way that it records only the
radiation from one specific UV radiation source 2. As
illustrated, it can be placed, in an opening in the side
wall, in such a way that it is positioned above the UV
sensor 3 associated with this UV radiation source 2
and, like this, is aligned at an inclined angle with
respect to the UV radiation source 2. During a
weathering process, these two sensors 3 and 4 thus
measure the radiation power emitted from the UV
radiation source 2 associated with them in the
broadband range and in the narrowband range. This UV
radiation source is used, so to speak, as a reference
radiation source. Only the broadband UV sensors 3 are
associated with the other UV radiation sources 2, so
that, initially, they directly measure only the
radiation power in the broadband range. However, the
broadband radiation power measured by them can be used
to deduce the radiation power in the narrowband range
by relating the radiation powers UV300-400 and VIS420
measured by the first sensor 3 and the second sensor 4
of the reference radiation source, and by applying them
to the broadband radiation power, in particular
multiplying them by this. Within certain tolerances,
there is a fixed ratio between VIS420/UV300-400. This
value determined for the reference radiation source can
be multiplied by the UV300-400 values of the other
radiation sources in order to calculate their VIS420
values.
It is thus possible to record the radiation powers of
the UV radiation sources 2 by the use of only one
additional sensor 4 during a weathering process in
accordance with the NB Standard, for the narrowband UV
range 420 nm ± 10 nm, as well.

Thus, when using both aspects of the invention in the
described exemplary embodiment, just four sensors are
sufficient instead of nine sensors as in the prior art.
In general terms, where 3N sensors are required in the
prior art for the N radiation sources, 2N-1 sensors can
be saved according to the invention, since only N+l
sensors are required.

WE CLAIM :
1. Weathering apparatus comprising:
- an UV radiation source and
- a first sensor, which is calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range in the
UV and which produces an output signal such as described herein representative of
the radiation power received in the first sensitivity range,
wherein
the first sensor is additionally calibrated in such a way that the radiation
power of a second spectral sensitivity range which is located within the first spectral
sensitivity range can be determined from said output signal in the manner such as
described herein.
2. Weathering apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a second sensor is
provided, which is calibrated for a third spectral sensitivity range.
3. Weathering apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the first sensitivity
range extends from 300 nm to 400 nm.
4. Weathering apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the second
spectral sensitivity range extends from 330 nm to 350 nm.
5. Weathering apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the third spectral
sensitivity range extends from 410 nm to 430 nm.
6. Weathering apparatus as claimed in Claims 1, 2 or 5, wherein at least two UV
radiation sources are provided, one of which is in each case associated with one of
the first sensors and detects essentially the UV radiation from the respectively
associated UV radiation source.
7. Weathering apparatus as claimed in Claims 2 and 5, wherein the second
sensor is associated with a UV radiation source that is used as a reference radiation
source, and detects essentially the radiation from the reference radiation source.

8. Weathering apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the radiation power
from a UV radiation source in the third spectral sensitivity range can be derived from
the output signal from its associated first sensor and the output signals from the first
sensor and from the second sensor for the reference radiation source.
9. Weathering apparatus comprising:
- one or more UV radiation sources; and
- one or more first sensors which are calibrated fora first spectral sensitivity
range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the
radiation power received in the first sensitivity range,
wherein
one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the
radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity
range can be determined from its output signal;
wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV
radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation sources
are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to be
weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the
UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, which connects the first wall and the second
wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall.
10. Weathering apparatus as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the samples to be
weathered are held by the second wall or by a holding plate.
11. Weathering apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein at least two UV
radiation sources are provided, one of which is in each case associated with one of
the first sensors and detects essentially the UV radiation from the respectively
associated UV radiation source.
12. Weathering apparatus as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the second sensor is
associated with a UV radiation source that is used as a reference radiation source,
and detects essentially the radiation from the reference radiation source.

13. Weathering apparatus comprising:
- one or more UV radiation sources; and
- one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity
range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the
radiation power received in the first sensitivity range,
wherein
one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the
radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity
range can be determined from its output signal;
wherein the first sensitivity range extends from 300 nm to 400 nm; and
wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV
radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated,
the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering
chamber,
the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is
opposite the first wall, and
the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, which connects the first wall and the
second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall.
14. Weathering apparatus comprising:
- one or more UV radiation sources; and
- one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity
range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the
radiation power received in the first sensitivity range,
wherein
- one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the
radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity
range can be determined from its output signal;
wherein a second sensor is provided, which is calibrated for a second
sensitivity range;

wherein the second sensor is associated with a UV radiation source that is
used as a reference radiation source, and detects essentially only the radiation from
the reference radiation source; and
wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV
radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated,
the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering
chamber, the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is
opposite the first wall, and •
the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, which connects the first wall and the
second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall.
15. Weathering apparatus comprising:
- one or more UV radiation sources; and
- one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity
range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the
radiation power received in the first sensitivity range.
wherein
one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the
radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity
range can be determined from its output signal;
wherein a second sensor is provided, which is calibrated for a second spectral
sensitivity range; and
wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV
radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation sources
are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to be
weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the
UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, which connects the first wall and the second
wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall.
16. Weathering apparatus comprising:
- one or more UV radiation sources; and

- one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity
range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the
radiation power received in the first sensitivity range,
wherein
- one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the
radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity
range can be determined from its output signal;
wherein a second sensor is provided, which is calibrated for a second spectral
sensitivity range;
wherein the second spectral sensitivity range extends from 410 nm to 430
nm; and
wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV
radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated, the UV radiation sources
are arranged along a first wall of the weathering chamber, the samples to be
weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is opposite the first wall, and the
UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, and, which connects the first wall and the
second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall.
17. Weathering apparatus comprising:
- one or more UV radiation sources; and
- one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity
range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the
radiation power received in the first sensitivity range,
wherein
one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the
radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity
range can be determined from its output signal;
wherein a second sensor is provided, which is calibrated for a second spectral
sensitivity range;
wherein the first sensitivity range extends from 300 nm to 400 nm; and
wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV
radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated,

the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering
chamber,
the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is
opposite the first wall, and
the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, which connects the first wall and the
second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall
18. Weathering apparatus comprising:
- one or more UV radiation sources; and
- one or more first sensors, which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity
range in the UV and each produce an output signal which is representative of the
radiation power received in the first sensitivity range,
wherein
one of the first sensors is additionally calibrated in such a way that the
radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity
range can be determined from its output signal;
wherein a second sensor is provided, which is calibrated for a second spectral
sensitivity range;
wherein the second spectral sensitivity range extends from 410 nm to 430
nm; and
wherein the second sensor is associated with a UV radiation source that is
used as a reference radiation source, and detects essentially only the radiation from
the reference radiation source; and
wherein the weathering apparatus has a weathering chamber in which the UV
radiation sources and the UV sensors are accommodated,
the UV radiation sources are arranged along a first wall of the weathering
chamber, the samples to be weathered are arranged along a second wall, which is
opposite the first wall, and
the UV sensors are fitted to a third wall, and, which connects the first wall and
the second wall, and in particular are inserted into openings in the third wall.

19. A weathering apparatus, substantially as herein described, particularly with
reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

A weathering apparatus has one or more UV radiation sources (2) and one or more first sensors (3), which are calibrated for a first spectral sensitivity range. In a first aspect of the invention, the sensor or one of the first sensors (3) is calibrated in such a way that the radiation power of a spectral range which is located within the first spectral sensitivity range can be determined from its output signal. In a second aspect of the invention, a second sensor (4) is provided, which is calibrated for a
second spectral sensitivity range.

Documents:

00691-kol-2005-abstract.pdf

00691-kol-2005-claims.pdf

00691-kol-2005-description complete.pdf

00691-kol-2005-drawings.pdf

00691-kol-2005-form 1.pdf

00691-kol-2005-form 2.pdf

00691-kol-2005-form 3.pdf

00691-kol-2005-form 5.pdf

691-KOL-2005-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

691-KOL-2005-FORM 27-1.1.pdf

691-KOL-2005-FORM 27.pdf

691-KOL-2005-FORM-27.pdf

691-kol-2005-granted-abstract.pdf

691-kol-2005-granted-assignment.pdf

691-kol-2005-granted-claims.pdf

691-kol-2005-granted-correspondence.pdf

691-kol-2005-granted-description (complete).pdf

691-kol-2005-granted-drawings.pdf

691-kol-2005-granted-examination report.pdf

691-kol-2005-granted-form 1.pdf

691-kol-2005-granted-form 13.pdf

691-kol-2005-granted-form 18.pdf

691-kol-2005-granted-form 2.pdf

691-kol-2005-granted-form 3.pdf

691-kol-2005-granted-form 5.pdf

691-kol-2005-granted-pa.pdf

691-kol-2005-granted-priority document.pdf

691-kol-2005-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

691-kol-2005-granted-specification.pdf

691-kol-2005-granted-translated copy of priority document.pdf

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Patent Number

235031

Indian Patent Application Number

691/KOL/2005

PG Journal Number

26/2009

Publication Date

26-Jun-2009

Grant Date

24-Jun-2009

Date of Filing

01-Aug-2005

Name of Patentee

ATLAS MATERIAL TESTING TECHNOLOGY GMBH

Applicant Address

VOGELSBERGSTER 22, D-63589 LINSENGERICHT-ALTENHASSLAU

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	SCHONLEIN ARTUR	WEISENAUERSTR 48, D-65428 RUSSE, LSHEIM
2	MARCH PETER	SINDLINGER STR. 15/3, D-60326, FRANKFURT AM MAIN
3	SCHONLEIN ARTUR	WEISENAUERSTR 48, D-65428 RUSSE, LSHEIM
4	MARCH PETER	SINDLINGER STR. 15/3, D-60326, FRANKFURT AM MAIN

PCT International Classification Number

G01N 21/01

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	102004037602.6	2004-08-03	Germany