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 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: 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: 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, and comprising 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 means for imparting a like electrical charge to the particles such that the particles repel each other and rapidly disperse within the airstream so as to be substantially uniformly dispersed upon reaching the face of each filter. A collecting surface may be disposed downstream of the filters for detecting any of the charged particles to thereby permit a determination as to whether the filters are leaking. Alternatively, a collapsible panel system may be positioned immediately downstream of the filter to condense and impart turbulence to the airstream to thereby permit a sample to be withdrawn for analysis from a point closely adjacent the filter.

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.