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US 7,012,685 B1Granted
Clogged filter detector
OwnerDavid J. Wilsoninventor
Life of this patent
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OwnerDavid J. Wilsoninventor
Estimating the term…
A clogged filter detection system has an optical transmitter (32) aligned to pass light through an air filter (14) of an HVAC air flow plenum, a receiver (34) including a sensor and positioned to receive the transmitted light (48) directly or from a reflector (42), a processing assembly (35) receiving signals from the sensor and communicating a visual (104) or audible (106) indication when an accumulated level of obscuration exceeds a predetermined level and a component support structure. The support structure uses a “U” or “L” shaped bracket (60,63) attached to peripheral structure of a filter receptacle frame (12) and one or more side plates (24,26) of the bracket are connected to an arm (74,76) on which components are carried. The transmitter (32) and receiver (34) may be located on opposite sides of the filter (14) or on the same side, with a retroreflector (46) on the other side. The processing assembly includes a microprocessor (94) and related devices. Measures are also provided for counteracting the presence of fluffy material near the filter, for sensitivity control of sensors and for an aural signal device activated at a predetermined time after a visual indication.
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:
A clogged filter detector for determining a level of obscuration of a filter in an air circulation system and providing a perceptible indication when said level exceeds a predetermined level, 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:
A clogged filter detector for determining a level of obscuration of a 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:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.