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 disclosure is directed methods and apparatus of a V-Bank filtration system capable of maintaining desired air flow rates while effectively filtering the air. These methods and apparatus charge particles and then capture those particles in a filter medium. Once captured in the filter medium, micro-organisms are exposed to high energy electric fields that may degrade and ultimately destroy the captured micro-organisms. Electric fields generated within portions of the V-Bank filter apparatus may also be contained within the portions of the filter apparatus based on exterior parts of these portions being grounded at Earth ground potential. Magnetic fields (or electro-magnetic fields) associated with the generated electric fields may also be contained within the portions of the apparatus based on the exterior parts of these portions being grounded.

Abstract: An easy-to-clean conveyor belt constructed of a series of rows of belt modules having lateral depressions forming channels across the width of the belt along which water can be sprayed to flush debris off the side edge of the belt. Lateral ridges between the depressions and hinge eyes at the ends of each module serve as levees that prevent debris being flushed through the channels from draining into hinge joints between consecutive belt rows.

Abstract: Welded belt modules, belts made of such modules, and a method for making such modules. Wide belt modules are made by welding together side to side narrow belt modules to a selected width. Modular conveyor belts are constructed of rows of welded modules connected serially by hinge pins between interleaved hinge eyes of consecutive rows. The wider welded modules eliminate or reduce the number of gaps, or seams, in a conveyor belt by reducing the number of narrow modules in each belt row.

Abstract: An easy-to-clean conveyor with sprockets that reveal the hinge area of a modular conveyor belt to a fluid spray. A conveyor includes a modular belt constructed of rows of belt modules hingedly linked together in series by hinge pins into an endless belt loop. A sprocket, mounted on a shaft for rotation, engages an inner surface of the belt in driving or driven contact. The sprocket extends from a central bored hub to an outer periphery, which is arranged to engage the inner surface of the belt along an area of contact that varies laterally across the inner surface of the belt in each rotation of the sprocket.