US Patent 7796255 Optical particle sensor with exhaust-cooled optical source

The invention relates to particle sensors that are capable of passively cooling high-powered optical sources within the sensor, thereby extending the optical source lifetime without requiring additional power. The sensor detects particles within a sample fluid by optical interaction of the optical source with flowing sample fluid in the sample chamber. Sample fluid that exits the sample chamber is directed into thermal contact with the optical source, thereby cooling the optical source. Sample fluid that has come into thermal contact with the optical source is continuously removed from the sensor to ensure the optical source is adequately cooled. A variety of elements are used to facilitate thermal contact between the optical source and sample fluid including plenums, heat sinks, and airflow cavities. Provided are related methods for cooling a one or more heat-producing device within a particle sensor.