Method and apparatus for environmental monitoring and data logging

• US 20050005677A1
• Filed: 05/26/2004
• Published: 01/13/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/30/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Kirk R. Smith
• Original Assignee: Kirk R. Smith
• Inventors: Smith, Kirk R.
• Application Number:
  US10/855,793
• Publication Number:
  US 20050005677A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/28.20
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 15/0205 by optical means
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 15/0266 with electrical classification

Abstract

An economical particle monitor for use in measuring particulate matter in the atmosphere includes two detection chambers: an ionized atmosphere between two electrically biased plates with particulate matter affecting current flow through the ionized atmosphere between the plates and a light-scattering chamber in which light from a light-emitting diode is scattered from introduced particles and detected by a photo-electric detector. Measures of current flow are provided to a data logger as a measure of particulate matter in the atmosphere, and the data logger maintains a record of measured particulate matter along with temperature and humidity. Alternatively, the signals could be provided to an analog (dial) or digital display for instant read out. A plurality of detectors can be provided with each detector being sensitive to particles of a specific size range and concentration range. The recorded data of the data logger is periodically downloaded to a personal computer for analysis and reporting

Claims

1. An environmental monitor comprising:

(a) a detector of particulate matter in an atmosphere that provides a signal representing measure of the particulate matter, and

(b) a data logger for receiving the signal from the detector and maintaining a record of measured particulate matter.

2. The environmental monitor of claim 1 wherein the detector includes means for ionizing atmosphere within the detector.

3. The environmental monitor as defined by claim 2 wherein the detector further includes at least two spaced and electrically biased plates with the ionized atmosphere there between, the ionized atmosphere providing a current flow between the plates with particulate matter affecting the magnitude of current flow.

4. The environmental monitor as defined by claim 3 wherein the data logger records a measure of current flow between plates in the detector as a measure of particulate matter in the atmosphere.

5. The environmental monitor as defined by claim 4 wherein the detector is sensitive to particles of a specific size range.

6. The environmental monitor as defined by claim 5 and further including a plurality of detectors each sensitive to particles of different size ranges when combined with standard particle size selection devices

7. The environmental monitor as defined by claim 4 wherein the detector is sensitive to particles of a specific concentration range.

8. The environmental monitor as defined by claim 7 and further including a plurality of detectors each sensitive to particles of a different specific concentration range.

9. The environmental monitor as defined by claim 1 and further including a temperature sensor, the data logger maintaining a record of measured temperature.

10. The environmental monitor as defined by claim 9 and further including a humidity sensor, the data logger maintaining a record of measured humidity.

11. The environmental monitor as defined by claim 10 and further including a clock, a data logger recording time as providing by the clock.

12. The environmental monitor as defined by claim 1 and further including a clock, a data logger recording time as providing by the clock.

13. The environmental monitor as defined by claim 1 wherein the detector includes a light-scattering chamber for detecting particles.

14. The environmental monitor as defined by claim 13 wherein the detector further includes means for ionizing atmosphere within the detector.

15. An environmental monitor comprising:

a) a detector of particulate matter in an atmosphere that provides a signal representing measure of the particulate matter, and

b) means for receiving the signal and providing a readout of particulate matter.

16. The environmental monitor as defined by claim 15 wherein the means for providing a readout of particulate matter comprises a meter.

17. The environmental monitor as defined by claim 16 wherein the means for providing a readout further include a data logger.