Patents by Inventor Anthony E. Shanks

Anthony E. Shanks has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6402811
    Abstract: A sorbent filter for use with an air-purifying apparatus. The filter includes a flexible bag and a sorbent material in granular form. The flexible bag defines at least one storage region and is formed of a porous material. The sorbent material is disposed within the storage region. With this configuration, the porosity of the flexible bag is configured to allow passage of air such that the air, including air-borne gaseous molecules or odors, can interact with and be adsorbed by the sorbent material. Conversely, however, the porosity of the flexible bag limits passage of sorbent material granules and dust. As such, the filter generates little if any dust during handling. In one preferred embodiment, the flexible bag is selectively attachable to a separate frame that in turn is designed for mounting within the air-purifying apparatus. With this configuration, the frame can be re-used such that filter replacement requires only a new sorbent filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventors: Anthony E. Shanks, Patrick J. Monnens, Richard R. Bahn, Edward L. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6328776
    Abstract: An air-purifying system for filtering and re-circulating room air. The air-purifying system includes a blower module, a first filter module, a second filter module and a supply module. The blower module defines a first inlet, a second inlet and an outlet. The first filter module is spaced from the blower module, and is fluidly connected to the first inlet. Similarly, the second filter module is spaced from the blower module and the first filter module. The second filter module is fluidly connected to the second inlet. Finally, the supply module is spaced from the blower module and the filter modules. The supply module is fluidly connected to the outlet. With this configuration, the blower module is operated to draw air into the first and second filter modules for removal of contaminants. Further, the blower module forces cleansed air to the supply module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony E. Shanks, Patrick J. Monnens, Richard R. Bahn
  • Patent number: 6325835
    Abstract: A blower module for use with a commercial air-purifying system. The blower module includes a housing, a blower unit and a chute. The housing defines an inlet region and an outlet region. The inlet region forms an intake port. The outlet region forms a supply port and an exhaust port. The blower unit is maintained within the housing, such that operation of the blower generates an airflow within the housing from the inlet region to the outlet region. Finally, the chute is mounted within the outlet region adjacent the exhaust port and is configured to direct a portion of the airflow to the exhaust port. With this configuration, an overall size of the blower module housing is greatly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony E. Shanks, Patrick J. Monnens, Richard R. Bahn
  • Patent number: 6321637
    Abstract: A filter module for use with a room air-purifying system. The filter module includes a housing and a filter. The housing forms an air inlet, a first outlet port and a second outlet port. The outlet ports are configured for fluid connection to commercial ductwork. The filter is maintained by the housing and is configured to retain air-borne contaminants. During use, airflow passes from the filter to the outlet ports. By incorporating at least two outlet ports, the filter module preferably assumes a low-profile configuration, thereby facilitating installation of the filter module at any desired location relative to a room of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony E. Shanks, Patrick J. Monnens, Richard R. Bahn
  • Patent number: 6319307
    Abstract: A filter assembly for use with a commercial air filtration unit. The filter assembly includes a frame, a sorbent material filter, and a primary particulate filter. The frame defines an upstream portion and a downstream portion, with the upstream portion forming a lip. The sorbent material filter is coupled to the downstream portion. Conversely, the primary particulate filter is coupled to the upstream portion of the frame. In this regard, the primary particulate filter defines an inner face and an outer face. Upon assembly, the inner face is adjacent the sorbent material filter and the lip projects upstream of the outer face. During use, the lip provides a receiving surface for installation within a housing, while preventing damage to the filter materials. Further, the filter assembly can be selectively maneuvered to a partially released position relative to the housing whereby the filter assembly hangs freely from the housing, supported at the lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony E. Shanks, Patrick J. Monnens, Richard R. Bahn