Patent ID: 7012685
Filing Date: 2006-03-14
Classification: B01D,F24F

Abstract:
1. A clogged filter detector for determining a level of obscuration of a flat filter disposed in an air conditioning system, said filter having a body and a peripheral frame and said system comprising a filter receptacle carried in a duct or plenum thereof, said receptacle including a plurality of rigid plates having surfaces generally parallel to a direction of air flow and defining outer walls of a structure into which a said filter may be removably inserted and retaining ledges connected to said plates and disposed perpendicular thereto, said plates and said ledges being adapted to come into contact with a said frame upon insertion of a said filter, said detector comprising: an optical transmitter positioned to transmit a beam of light through a said filter, a receiver including a sensor disposed to be contacted by said light beam after passing through said filter and further including means to provide an electrical signal representative of optical transmittance through said filter, said receiver and said filter aligned off-set from one another and said light beam non-parallel to air flow direction, and support means for holding said transmitter and said receiver in an aligned position with respect to a selected area of said filter, said support means including a bracket comprising at least a first strip connectable to a said receptacle plate and said first strip being disposed for placement between a said plate and an edge portion edge of said filter upon insertion of the filter, and a first arm connected to said first strip and extending to a position opposing a face of said filter.