Abstract: A method of fabricating a clean room filter bank under essentially "clean" conditions is disclosed, and wherein the filter bank includes a supporting latticework composed of a plurality of interconnected channel members which define rectangular open areas, and a plurality of high efficiency air filters positioned on the supporting latticework. The channel members of the latticework include a self-healing gel sealant, and they are fabricated under clean room conditions and then packaged in a protective wrapping for storage or shipment. At the installation site, the channel members are assembled to form the latticework while the protective wrappings remain essentially in place, and the wrappings are removed only just prior to the assembly of the filters in the latticework. Thus the sealant of the channel members is protected from contamination, during manufacturing, shipment and storage, and also during the actual assembly of the filter bank.

Abstract: A clean room having provision for supplying filtered air vertically therethrough under substantially laminar flow conditions is disclosed, and which includes a filter bank comprising a supporting latticework composed of a plurality of interconnected members which define rectangular open areas, and a plurality of high efficiency air filters positioned on the supporting latticework. The interconnected members of the latticework include a plurality of parallel, laterally spaced apart lengthwise members, and a plurality of cross members extending laterally between the lengthwise members, and with the ends of the cross members abutting an intermediate length of the lengthwise members. In one embodiment, each of the members of the latticework includes an integral, upwardly extending post, which is adapted to be engaged by a retainer for interconnecting the members, and also by a support bracket for supporting the latticework from an overhead ceiling.

Abstract: A clean room having provision for supplying filtered air vertically therethrough under substantially laminar flow conditions is disclosed, and which is characterized by the substantial absence of migration of dust or dirt particles laterally through the room. The clean room includes a filter bank comprising a supporting latticework composed of a plurality of interconnected members which define rectangular open areas, and a plurality of high efficiency air filters positioned on the supporting latticework. Each of the members of the latticework has a generally V-shaped outline in cross section with the angular extent of the V-shaped outline being adapted to provide a substantially laminar flow therealong, and so as eliminate any substantial turbulence below the members of the latticework. Such turbulence has been found to entrain dust or dirt particles and move the same laterally through the room, and the elimination of such turbulence effectively eliminates the lateral migration problem.

Abstract: A high efficiency particulate air filter is disclosed which has a channel formed in the front peripheral surface thereof, with the channel being substantially filled with a sealant which comprises an essentially non-volatile and non-hardening gum-like material. The physical properties of the sealant render the sealant able to effect sealing engagement with a mating flange mounted in the filter housing, and also permit the flange to be withdrawn from the sealant without an appreciable amount of the sealant adhering to the flange, to thereby avoid the build up of potentially contaminated sealant on the flange when the filter is changed. A method of fabricating the filter is also disclosed, which results in the sealant forming a substantially uniform and continuous closed strip which is characterized by the absence of a butt end joint.

Abstract: A clean room is disclosed which has a capability of being divided into separate work areas of predetermined size, and with the separate work areas being effectively isolated from each other to prevent cross contamination. The clean room comprises a filter bank composed of a supporting latticework and a plurality of filters, with the latticework being supported by tie rods which extend through the latticework. A plurality of wall panels are supported below the latticework, and are attached directy to the tie rods so that the weight of the wall panels is not borne directly by the tie rods and by the latticework. Also, the latticework and wall panels are effectively isolated from external vibrations, by means of a flexible sealing strip between the periphery of the latticework and the bounding side walls of the clean room, and by the fact that the wall panels are free of any connection with the floor of the clean room.