Particle sensor with low-pressure-drop air flow system
US5515164A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 1994 |
| Grant date | May 7, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2001/245
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed is a particle sensor having a light beam with a beam long axis and an air flow tube with an inlet end and a particle exit mouth. In an aspect of the invention, the cross-sectional area of the flow passage at the inlet end is greater than the cross-sectional area of the exit mouth. This enlarged area dramatically reduces pressure drop along the tube. The exit mouth is in registry with the light beam and is elongate in a direction substantially parallel to the beam long axis. Thus, particles flowing through the mouth pass through the beam. In another aspect, the invention includes a centrifugal blower which is light in weight and which may be battery powered.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.