Surface particle counter
A surface particle-counting device where the scanner element and the particle counting element have been combined so to reduce the number of lost particles and increase the overall efficiency of the particle-counting device. By removing the conventional tube that connects the scanner element and the particle counting element accuracy is increased.
1. A method for counting particles, comprising:
attaching a scanner to a particle sensor such that a particle conduit is completely surrounded by the scanner and the particle sensor but for a first opening where air enters the particle conduit and a second opening where air exists the particle conduit;
raising the scanner and the particle sensor slightly above a surface;
passing a stream of airflow through a channel;
filtering out external air before particles enter the scanner via a scanner head;
sucking the stream of airflow from the channel, whereby concentrated particles are forced into the particle conduit;
forcing the stream of airflow through the use of a vacuum source, the vacuum source powered to suck particles through a created stream of airflow;
maintaining a constant flow after particles have been counted via the vacuum source and a vacuum tubing;
vacating the stream of airflow and all remaining particles through the use of an exhaust element; and
providing power to the scanner via a power and signal line, the power and signal line also serving to calculate and emit signals to the scanner.
2. The method for counting particles of claim 1 , further comprising operating particle counter electronics in communication with the scanner.
3. The method for counting particles of claim 1 , further comprising connecting the vacuum source to the particle conduit through use of the vacuum tubing.
4. The method for counting particles of claim 1 , further comprising locating filters in a scanner head.
5. The method for counting particles of claim 1 , further comprising passing the stream of airflow through the scanner and particle sensor via the particle conduit.
6. The method for counting particles of claim 1 , further comprising connecting an exhaust element to the vacuum source.
7. The method for counting particles of claim 1 , further comprising housing together the scanner and the particle counter such that particles are conducted between the scanner and the particle sensor without the use of the particle conduit.
8. A method for counting particles, comprising:
attaching a scanner to a particle sensor such that a particle conduit is completely surrounded by the scanner and the particle sensor but for a first opening where air enters the particle conduit and a second opening where air exists the particle conduit;
raising the scanner and the particle sensor slightly above a surface;
passing a stream of airflow through a channel;
filtering out external air before particles enter the scanner via a scanner head;
sucking the stream of airflow from the channel, whereby concentrated particles are forced into the particle conduit;
forcing the stream of airflow through the use of a vacuum source, the vacuum source powered to suck particles through a created stream of airflow;
maintaining a constant flow after particles have been counted via the vacuum source and a vacuum tubing;
vacating the stream of airflow and all remaining particles through the use of an exhaust element;
providing power to the scanner via a power and signal line, the power and signal line also serving to calculate and emit signals to the scanner;
operating particle counter electronics in communication with the scanner;
connecting the vacuum source to the particle conduit through use of the vacuum tubing;
locating filters in a scanner head;
passing the stream of airflow through the scanner and particle sensor via the particle conduit; and
connecting an exhaust element to the vacuum source.
9. A particle counter, comprising:
a scanner connected to a particle sensor;
a particle conduit completely surrounded by the scanner and the particle sensor but for a first opening where air enters the particle conduit and a second opening where air exists the particle conduit;
said scanner and said particle sensor positioned slightly above a surface;
a channel positioned between said scanner and said particle sensor, said channel formed to allow a stream of airflow to pass through;
said channel positioned to draw air from near said surface to avoid the creation of a vacuum between said scanner and said surface;
a filter contained within a scanner head, said filter formed to filter out external air before particles enter said scanner;
said particle conduit formed to pass said stream of airflow through said scanner and said particle sensor;
a vacuum source, said vacuum source connected to said particle conduit via vacuum tubing;
an exhaust element included with said vacuum source; and
particle counter electronics in communication with said scanner.