Abstract: The present disclosure is directed methods and apparatus that improve the energy efficiency of an air filtration apparatus while maintaining a high level of filtration capabilities. Air filtration apparatus consistent with the present disclosure may include an input, a fan, a pre-filter, and electrical conductors that provide a high voltage used to charge particles in an air flow. This apparatus may also include a secondary filter that traps charged particles. The pre-filter may filter air using conventional means, where a high energy electric field generated by high voltage conductors may charge particles in the air such that those particles may clump together and be captured in the secondary filter. These clumping effects may allow a less dense filter media to capture particles that would otherwise pass through the less dense filter. Micro-organisms attached to the captured particles may be degraded or destroyed after they are captured in the secondary filter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of the present disclosure monitor and change operation of an air filtering system or apparatus dynamically over time. Changes to the air filtering apparatus may be associated with a type of facility and air purity requirements associated with the type of facility. Examples of different types of facilities include an office building, a clean room, and a hospital. Apparatus of the present disclosure may include conventional air filters and may include disinfecting air filter sub-assemblies that use a high voltage to charge particles in the air such that those particles may conglomerate and be captured more easily in an air. Methods consistent with the present disclosure may change an air flow rate or may change the voltage used to charge the air particles as conditions associated with the air of a facility change over time.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a beverage dispenser for filtering and dispensing liquid beverages. The device includes an upper reservoir for receiving a liquid therein and is adapted to releasably secure a filter. The filter is arranged for communication with a lower reservoir for receiving the liquid beverage therein. The lower reservoir includes means for dispensing the filtered liquid and the filtered liquid therein may be heated or cooled by means of heating or cooling devices. The beverage dispenser is compact, portable and housed in an aesthetically appealing canister. Removal of the filter allows other beverages, such as lemonade, or tea, to be stored and dispensed on demand.

Abstract: A multi-functional room air conditioning unit that controls both heat and humidity as well as the concentration of airborne particulates. A control unit monitors temperature, humidity and air quality parameters and automatically programs the apparatus to take corrective action when one or more of the parameters is outside of the desired range.

Abstract: A portable air quality indication unit senses and indicates at least the ambient concentration of aerosols and particulates, the ambient concentration of a gas such as CO, the ambient temperature and the relative humidity, and displays the same. The gas concentration level and particulates concentration level are provided as good or satisfactory, bad or unsatisfactory, or fair/good, i.e., marginal depending on the relation of the detected level to the predetermined threshold level values of gas concentration, and particulates concentration. Temperature and relative humidity can be displayed on liquid crystal displays. A microprocessor circuit within the unit assumes a low-power standby mode, in which the gas and particulates sensor means are sampled at a relatively low rate, when the particulates level and gas concentration level are below their respective TLVs.