Patent ID: 7549803

Claim:
A condition monitoring system for use inside a structure, said condition monitoring system comprising: an electrically powered sensor located inside said structure for sensing particulates in a gas inside said structure; a signal processing system outside of said structure for receiving a light signal output corresponding to an electrical output of said sensor; an energy conversion device located within said structure for: receiving a first form of energy comprising light energy provided from an energy source outside of said structure; converting said first form of energy to electrical energy; and providing said electrical energy to said sensor for powering said sensor; a first conduit for conveying said first form of energy from said energy source outside of said structure to said energy conversion device located within said structure; an output converter located inside said structure for converting said electrical output of said sensor to said light signal output to be received by said signal processing system; and a second conduit for conveying said light signal output from said output converter located inside said structure to said signal processing system outside of said structure.