Abstract: A filter assembly for use in an electronics enclosure is disclosed herein. The filter assembly has an inner assembly having a filter material comprising fibrous media and a containment assembly having a first containment layer and a second containment layer. The containment assembly defines an outer perimeter and the first containment layer and a second containment layer are bonded along the outer perimeter in an outer weld area to encapsulate the inner assembly. The outer weld area extends between the outer perimeter and an interior perimeter. The inner assembly defines an inner assembly perimeter that is within the outer perimeter of the containment assembly.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in an electronics enclosure is disclosed herein. The filter assembly has an inner assembly having a filter material comprising fibrous media and a containment assembly having a first containment layer and a second containment layer. The containment assembly defines an outer perimeter and the first containment layer and a second containment layer are bonded along the outer perimeter in an outer weld area to encapsulate the inner assembly. The outer weld area extends between the outer perimeter and an interior perimeter. The inner assembly defines an inner assembly perimeter that is within the outer perimeter of the containment assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved electronic enclosure filter for very small spaces, such as small disk drives. The filter includes an exposed electrostatic layer that functions to catch and retain particulate contamination within the filter. The filter can be placed within disk drive enclosures such that the electrostatic layer is in very close proximity to the rotating disk without causing excessive turbulence. The close proximity of the electrostatic to the disk creates relatively high levels of airflow over the electrostatic.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in a disk drive assembly is disclosed. The filter assembly is configured to remove contaminants within the drive assembly and to prevent entry of contaminants into the drive assembly. In one implementation the filter assembly includes a housing configured for placement in a disk drive assembly containing a rotating disk, the housing including an air scoop having an entrance configured for placement beneath the rotating disk in the drive assembly; and a major surface having a wall and an opening in the wall, the opening configured for receiving a filter material and being in fluid communication with the entrance to the air scoop. A filter element is positioned within the housing and configured so that a first portion of the element filters air directed from the air scoop, while a second portion of the element filters air from the exterior of the drive assembly, the first and second portions sealed by a common filter material placed over the opening in the major surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved electronic enclosure filter for very small spaces, such as small disk drives. The filter includes an exposed electrostatic layer that functions to catch and retain particulate contamination within the filter. The filter can be placed within disk drive enclosures such that the electrostatic layer is in very close proximity to the rotating disk without causing excessive turbulence. The close proximity of the electrostatic layer to the disk creates relatively high levels of airflow over the electrostatic layer.

Abstract: A multiple diffusion channel filter assembly is disclosed. The filter assembly provides filtration of air entering and exiting an electronic enclosure through a breather hole. In one implementation, the filter assembly contains a housing with an adsorbent component and a first diffusion channel and a second diffusion channel. In another implementation, the filter assembly contains a first layer and a second layer which surround an adsorbent component and a first and a second diffusion channel that are in fluid communication with the interior space defined by the first and second layers. In yet another implementation, the invention, includes a filter accessory containing a diffusion channel configured to work in conjunction with a separate filter assembly thereby adding an additional diffusion channel to the existing design.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filter assembly for use inside an electronic enclosure, such as a hard disk drive enclosure containing a rotating disk. The filter assembly provides filtration of air within the electronic enclosure, and optionally for air entering the electronic enclosure. Thus, the invention is directed in part to a filter assembly for use in an electronic enclosure, the filter assembly comprising particulate removal media. In certain embodiments the particulate removal media comprising a fine fiber layer containing a hydrophobic additive and at least one polymer. In some implementations it includes a blend of two or more polymers.

Abstract: A multilayer filter assembly for use inside an electronic enclosure, such as a hard disk drive enclosure containing a rotating disk, is disclosed. The filter assembly provides filtration of air entering the enclosure, as well as air circulating within the enclosure. The filter assembly is generally a single-piece unit that can be formed without a rigid frame, thus allowing the filter assembly to be produced at a reduced cost. In one implementation of the invention, the multilayer filter assembly contains at least two particulate removal layers covering, enclosing, and dividing at least two adsorbent regions. One of the adsorbent regions is configured to be placed flush against an interior wall of the electronic enclosure to allow air to flow in and out of the enclosure, while the other adsorbent region is configured to be placed in an upright position in the enclosure with exposed surfaces that allow airflow through this portion of the filter assembly.

Abstract: A multiple diffusion channel filter assembly is disclosed. The filter assembly provides filtration of air entering and exiting an electronic enclosure through a breather hole. In one implementation of the invention the filter assembly contains a housing with an adsorbent component and a first diffusion channel and a second diffusion channel. The first diffusion channel is configured and arranged to provide fluid communication between the interior chamber of the housing and the inside of the electronic enclosure. The second diffusion channel is configured and arranged to provide fluid communication between the interior chamber of the housing and the exterior of the electronic enclosure. In another implementation of the invention the filter assembly contains a first layer and a second layer which surround an adsorbent component and a first and a second diffusion channel that are in fluid communication with the interior space defined by the first and second layers.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in a disk drive assembly is disclosed. The filter assembly is configured to remove contaminants within the drive assembly and to prevent entry of contaminants into the drive assembly. In one implementation the filter assembly includes a housing configured for placement in a disk drive assembly containing a rotating disk, the housing comprising an air scoop having an entrance configured for placement beneath the rotating disk in the drive assembly; and a major surface comprising a wall and an opening in the wall, the opening configured for receiving a filter material and being in fluid communication with the entrance to the air scoop. A filter element is positioned within the housing and configured so that a first portion of the element filters air directed from the air scoop, while a second portion of the element filters air from the exterior of the drive assembly, the first and second portions sealed by a common filter material placed over the opening in the major surface.

Abstract: A multilayer filter assembly for use inside an electronic enclosure, such as a hard disk drive enclosure containing a rotating disk, is disclosed. The filter assembly provides filtration of air entering the enclosure, as well as air circulating within the enclosure. The filter assembly is generally a single-piece unit that can be formed without a rigid frame, thus allowing the filter assembly to be produced at a reduced cost. In one implementation of the invention, the multilayer filter assembly contains at least two particulate removal layers covering, enclosing, and dividing at least two adsorbent regions. One of the adsorbent regions is configured to be placed flush against an interior wall of the electronic enclosure to allow air to flow in and out of the enclosure, while the other adsorbent region is configured to be placed in an upright position in the enclosure with exposed surfaces that allow airflow through this portion of the filter assembly.

Abstract: Filter assemblies that manage the movement of gases and water to and from the anode and cathode of fuel cells. The assemblies are particularly suited for methanol and other liquid fuel sources for portable hydrogen fuel cells. These fuel cells and filter elements can be used with equipment such as telephones, personal computing devices, lap top computers, and pagers. The invention provides a filter assembly that forms a selectively permeable barrier between the exterior of the fuel cell and the cathode. The filter assembly manages the exposure of the cathode to particulate and gaseous materials. The filter assembly can also manage the movement of water. The invention also provides a filter assembly that forms a selectively permeable barrier between liquid (e.g., methanol and water) and the exterior of the fuel cell. The filter assembly manages the movement of liquids and gaseous materials away from the anode.

Abstract: A filter is provided which includes an organic vapor adsorbing layer, a first particulate removal layer, and a second particulate removal layer. The organic vapor adsorbing layer includes porous adsorbent beads which allow air or gas to flow therethrough with little resistance and provide increased surface area by virtue of the pores. The particulate removal layer can be made from an electrostatic and/or polytetraflouroethylene. The filter can have a figure of merit greater than about 10 and a capacity for permanently adsorbing organic vapors, wherein the figure of merit is calculated based upon a fractional efficiency determined for particles having a size of 0.3 .mu.m in an air flow having a velocity of 10.5 ft./min and for Frazier permeability at 0.5 inches H.sub.2 O.

Abstract: A filter is provided which includes an organic vapor adsorbing layer, a first particulate removal layer, and a second particulate removal layer. The organic vapor adsorbing layer includes porous adsorbent beads which allow air or gas to flow therethrough with little resistance and provide increased surface area by virtue of the pores. The particulate removal layer can be made from an electrostatic and/or polytetraflouroethylene. The filter can have a figure of merit greater than about 10 and a capacity for permanently adsorbing organic vapors, wherein the figure of merit is calculated based upon a fractional efficiency determined for particles having a size of 0.3 .mu.m in an air flow having a velocity of 10.5 ft./min and for Frazier permeability at 0.5 inches H.sub.2 O.