Design for particle sensor system
A device is illustrated for detecting particles in a fluid that can detect smaller particles without the need for added power or space and can be implemented inexpensively. The device utilizes two mirrors and a photo-diode. The housing of the photo-electric diode is machined to form one of the mirrors. The mirrors have a special positioning so that the second mirror uses the first mirror to reflect light deflected by particles back to the photo-electric diode.
1. A particle sensor comprising:
a light detection device;
a housing in communication with said light detection device;
a first reflective surface on said housing;
a second reflective surface;
a means for conducting a gas stream with small particles through the said first focal point of said second reflective surface;
a means for projecting light through the said first focal point of said second reflective surface;
wherein said first reflective surface has a first focal point and a second focal point defining a first axis of symmetry;
wherein said first symmetry of axis and said second axis of symmetry are coaxial; and
wherein said second reflective surface has a first focal point and a second focal point defining a second axis of symmetry.
2. The particle sensor of claim 1 , wherein said reflective surface has a first focal point and a second focal point defining a first axis of symmetry.
3. The particle sensor of claim 1 , wherein said first reflective surface is concave.
4. The particle sensor of claim 1 , wherein said second reflective surface is concave.
5. The particle sensor of claim 1 , wherein said second reflective surface is ellipsoidal.
6. The particle sensor of claim 1 , further comprising a means for conducting a gas stream with small particles through said first focal point of said second reflective surface.
7. The particle sensor of claim 1 , further comprising a means for projecting light through the said first focal point of said second reflective surface.
8. A particle sensor comprising:
a light detection device;
a housing in communication with said light detection device;
a first concave reflective surface in communication with said housing;
wherein said first reflective surface has a first focal point and a second focal point defining a first axis of symmetry;
a means for projecting light in front of said first concave reflective surface; and
a means for conducting a gas stream with small particles at a right angle to said light and at a right angle to said first axis of symmetry.
9. The particle sensor of claim 8 , wherein said first reflective surface is physically joined with said housing.