Patent ID: 6201250
Filing Date: 2001-03-13
Classification: G01J

Abstract:
An apparatus for curing a polymeric material, comprising:a chamber wall defining a chamber;a source of radiation for providing radiation mounted within said chamber for curing a polymeric material;a reflector assembly mounted within said chamber for reflecting the radiation from said source to the material within said chamber; anda sensor assembly, having:a housing including a passageway having at least one gas inlet and an open end through which radiation can enter;a sensor element disposed in said passageway for sensing the radiation;a shutter having an open position in which radiation can enter said passageway at said open end and a closed position in which said open end is blocked to prevent the radiation from entering said passageway; anda gas source in communication with said at least one gas source inlet for supplying gas to said passageway whereby said passageway has a positive pressure when said shutter is in its open position and when said shutter is in its closed position, said positive pressure being sufficient to substantially reduce the entry of contaminants from said chamber into said housing.