Abstract: A planar frame of cardboard or other suitable sheet material with an interlocking corner construction. The corner connection provided in this invention securely locks the corner in place at low manufacturing cost. It can be integrated easily into the filter frame assembly process without addition additional steps. While the locking mechanism is secure to hold the frame in place for transport, during manufacturing, and for final filter usage, it is removable to allow for the frame to be unfolded and reassembled if necessary during manufacturing, e.g. to insert filter media. Preferably, after inserting filer media, the tabs hold the filter and frame in an assembled configuration until the frame can be sealed with adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, the frame comprises three simple, rectangular tabs. The first tab is attached to the first frame leg and simply slides between the outer and inner frame parts of the second frame leg. The second tab, which is small in width (approx.

Abstract: An isolation work station comprising an enclosure, and an air circulation system and high efficiency air filter for generating a downwardly directed laminar air flow through the enclosure. Periodic sterilization of the enclosure may be accomplished by adding a sterilant, such as vaporized hydrogen peroxide, to the airstream, and the filter is impregnated with a catalyst for degrading the vaporized hydrogen peroxide during the purge cycle and wherein the airstream is circulated at a relatively low speed so as to increase the residence time in the filter.

Abstract: An isolation work station comprising an enclosure, and an air circulation system and high efficiency air filter for generating a downwardly directed laminar air flow through the enclosure. Periodic sterilization of the enclosure may be accomplished by adding a sterilant, such as vaporized hydrogen peroxide, to the airstream, and the filter is impregnated with a catalyst for degrading the vaporized hydrogen peroxide during the purge cycle and wherein the airstream is circulated at a relatively low speed so as to increase the residence time in the filter.

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 high efficiency particulate air filter, and a method of fabricating the same, are disclosed, with the filter being characterized by being lightweight and readily disposable after use. Further, the filter may be fabricated in a basic or universal form, which permits it to be utilized to form any one of a number of possible specific mounting configurations by the placement of one or more specifically designed headers about the outer periphery. The filter comprises a sheet of HEPA filtering media folded upon itself in accordion fashion to form a filter pack, and a relatively thin and lightweight peripheral frame surrounding and supporting the pack. The frame is composed of a relatively hard, crust-like, air impermeable molded material which is self-bonded and sealed to the filter pack to effectively preclude the leakage of air therebetween.

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.

Abstract: A high efficiency particulate air filter is disclosed which comprises a frame surrounding and sealably supporting the filter pack, with the frame composed of four separate side panels which are rigidly interconnected at their abutting ends by means of corner plates. The corner plates are in the form of two flanges disposed at right angles to each other, and the flanges are closely received within slots formed on the outer face of the side panels. The corner plates preferably extend across the entire width of the side panels of the frame to impart substantial rigidity to the frame, and a sealing material is disposed in a recess which extends along the bight of the corner plates to provide a continuous seal along the abutting ends of the side panels.

Abstract: An improved connector for a supporting filter bank framework is disclosed which comprises a body member defining at least two extensions radiating from a common central location. Each of the extensions has a U-shaped cross sectional configuration so as to define a bottom wall and two opposite side walls. A threaded coupling member may be disposed at the central location for securing the connector to a supporting tie rod, and a protuberance is disposed within each U-shaped extension at a predetermined distance from the central location. Adjacent connectors are adapted to be joined by an interconnecting channel of predetermined length, with the ends of the channel being positioned within aligned extensions of adjacent connectors, and with the ends of the channels abutting the respective protuberances. A supporting latticework is thereby constructed which defines a plurality of rectangular open areas, and the length and width dimensions of each open area is automatically established.

Abstract: An air flow control apparatus is disclosed which is characterized by essentially zero leakage in its closed position, and by minimal air resistance in its open position. The apparatus includes a housing having an interior framework which defines a plurality of troughs of V-shaped cross section, and with each side of each trough including an opening. A closure is associated with each trough, which includes a pair of pivotally mounted plates which are movable between a spread apart position covering and closing the openings in the trough, and a collapsed position wherein the plates are substantially aligned with each other and spaced from the associated openings to permit free air flow therethrough.

Abstract: A housing for HEPA filters is disclosed, which includes a side access opening for receiving one or more filters, and a filter clamping assembly for seating and unseating each of the filters against its seal. The clamping assembly comprises a pair of filter clamping mechanisms extending transversely across the interior of the housing and along the top and bottom side walls, respectively. Also, a handle is pivotally mounted between the two clamping mechanisms adjacent the opening, and the handle is connected to each clamping mechanism such that rotation of the handle serves to actuate the mechanisms. In one embodiment, the handle is releasably connected to the two mechanisms, and the mechanisms are releasably mounted to the top and bottom side walls, whereby the entire assembly may be disassembled and removed from the housing through the side access opening to permit the repair or replacement of a defective component.

Abstract: A filter testing apparatus and method are provided wherein a challenge aerosol or the like is introduced upstream of the filter, and the downstream face of the filter is scanned with an air sampling probe to detect for the presence of leaking aerosol. The apparatus comprises a generally rectangular frame, and an air sampling probe which is mounted to the frame so as to be movable in a predetermined pattern wherein the entire face of an adjacent filter is scanned. The assembly may be removably mounted in a filter housing immediately downstream of the filter, or mounted on a framework downstream of a bank of several filters. In the latter instance, the assembly is sequentially indexed to a position alignment with each filter, and an upstream aerosol dispersion assembly is also provided which is correspondingly indexed across the filter bank.

Abstract: An air flow control apparatus is disclosed which is characterized by an essentially zero leakage rate in its closed position, and by minimal air resistance in its open position. The apparatus includes an orifice panel which defines a plurality of troughs of V-shaped cross section, with at least one elongate opening disposed in each trough. A closure is associated with each trough, and includes a pair of pivotally mounted plates which are movable between a spread apart position wherein the plates cover and close the openings in the trough, and a collapsed position wherein the plates are contiguous to each other and spaced from the associated openings to permit free air flow therethrough. A hinge pivotally interconnects the free edges of each pair of plates, and control means is provided for effecting operation of the closures.

Abstract: An essentially air tight plastic bag is disclosed, together with a novel method of replacing such bag on the flange surrounding the side access opening of a HEPA filter housing and in accordance with the conventional bag-out, bag-in procedure for removing a potentially contaminated article, such as a filter, from the housing. The novel method includes moving the article through the side access door into the bag, gathering the bag together at a location intermediate the filter in the bag and the open end of the bag, and circumferentially compressing the gathered portion of the bag at two closely spaced apart locations by means of two metal compression bands. The manner in which the bands are applied results in sufficient compressive force at each location to form an essentially solid sealing plug having the appearance and physical characteristics of a rigid, solid rod segment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the leak testing of one or more filters, which requires minimum space, and which comprises a housing adapted to sealably mount the filters, means for introducing DOP particles within the housing and immediately upstream of each of the filters, and a funnel-shaped member mounted in the housing upstream of each filter and downstream of the point at which the DOP is introduced. The member may be selectively positioned to assume an operative position transverse to the airstream wherein it acts to condense and mix the airstream and DOP and then disperse the mixture over the full frontal area of the adjacent filter, or a non-operative position wherein the member is substantially withdrawn from the airstream. Means are also mounted downstream of each filter for monitoring the airstream to detect DOP particles, and thereby permit a determination as to whether any of the particles are leaking through or around the filter.

Abstract: A high efficiency air filter having a channel formed in the front peripheral surface thereof which is substantially filled with a fluid of high consistency and which is adapted to effect sealing engagement with a mating retaining flange mounted in the housing. A pair of resilient wiper lips extend across the top of the channel from opposite sides thereof to thereby contact the sides of the retaining flange while the filter is assembled in the housing, and then wipe both sides of the flange during withdrawal of the filter from the housing to thereby retain substantially all of the fluid within the channel and prevent the build-up of possibly contaminated fluid on the retaining flange.

Abstract: A sealing member adapted to form a fluid seal about an opening in an air flow system and which may be removed from the system in the event of the contamination of the fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing member comprises a retainer having a cross-sectional configuration which defines a pair of continuous, open, generally U-shaped channels, and with a fluid of relatively high consistency substantially filling each channel. The retainer is adapted to be releasably and sealably mounted to each of the housing and a member disposed across the opening in the housing, and including a flange extending into each channel and the fluid therein to effect a seal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the leak testing of one or more filters, which requires minimum space, and which comprises a housing adapted to sealably mount the filters .[.means.]. .Iadd.apparatus .Iaddend.for introducing DOP particles within the housing and immediately upstream of each of the filters, and a funnel-shaped member mounted in the housing upstream of each filter and downstream of the point at which the DOP is introduced. The member may be selectively positioned to assume an operative position transverse to the airstream wherein it acts to condense and mix the airstream and DOP and then disperse the mixture over the full frontal area of the adjacent filter, or a non-operative position wherein the member is substantially withdrawn from the airstream. .[.Means.]. .Iadd.Apparatus .Iaddend.are also mounted downstream of each filter for monitoring the airstream to detect DOP particles, and thereby permit a determination as to whether any of the particles are leaking through or around the filter.