Workstation Ventilator (e.g., Hood, Offtake, Etc.) Patents (Class 454/49)
  • Patent number: 6923715
    Abstract: A device for regulating the air volume flow for a laboratory exhaust, has a rectangular housing (6) which can be arranged on the laboratory exhaust. The device is equipped with inflow devices that can be connected to the interior of the laboratory exhaust and with outflow devices (8, 12, 13) that can be connected to an exhaust air system. The interior of housing (6) is divided by a partition (17) into two parts, namely a calming part on the exhaust side and a measurement and regulating part on the outflow side, and these two parts are connected by an air deflection area (18). A rectangular measurement orifice (20, 25) has pressure measurement devices (22, 23, 24, 28, 29) and a rectangular regulating flap (21) arranged one after the other at a distance in the direction of flow between a housing wall and the partition (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignees: Waldner Laboreinrichtungen GmbH & Co. KG, Bayer AG
    Inventors: Konrad Kreuzer, Frank Barth, Horst Esch
  • Patent number: 6887146
    Abstract: A dust extraction shroud for a drill, which surrounds a drill bit and which lies adjacent the work surface, comprises a body portion defining a first inlet adapted to engage the work surface and to surround the location at which said bit penetrates the surface. The shroud body further defines a first outlet connected to a source of suction and a third inlet for allowing the bit to pass through said body portion. A first sealing means is arranged in said third inlet for surrounding said bit and resisting the flow of air. Wherein said body portion includes at least one protruding portion defining a second inlet between said protruding portion and an adjacent part of said body, and on a side of said protruding portion remote from the first inlet. The second inlet admits air to enter said body portion and travel to the first outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Ernst Staas, Klaus-Dieter Arich, Rainer Herting, Ralf Bernhart
  • Patent number: 6858053
    Abstract: An exhaust system for housing-type enclosures of machine tools is provided for removing air by suction from the interior of the enclosure. The cuttings which are produced during machining of the workpieces are distributed within the working chamber and are thrown to the exhaust location and removed by suction. The cuttings collect in the exhaust area and present a safety risk. In order to prevent undesirable components in the exhaust air from reaching the exhaust system, an air-permeable catch device is provided in the exhaust area in front of the exhaust location. On the catch device, the undesirable components are caught while the exhaust action itself is not impaired. The catch device is a basket having walls made of mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Raimund Rerucha
  • Patent number: 6802767
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide exhaust air discharging and ventilating technologies capable of completing local ventilation without affecting the habitability and workability. The invention is a method for locally discharging the air around and near cooking equipment (1) in a kitchen in which cooking equipment (1) that causes air contamination is installed, wherein upward suction draft (16) going out of the room is produced from above the cooking equipment (1), while upward blowout draft (21) is produced from near the side of the cooking equipment (1), and due to the inductive action of the blowout draft (21), the contaminated air (30) around and near the cooking equipment (1) is forcibly caught and carried into the blowout draft (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Kanaya
  • Publication number: 20040192184
    Abstract: A dust extraction shroud for a drill, which surrounds a drill bit and which lies adjacent the work surface, comprises a body portion defining a first inlet adapted to engage the work surface and to surround the location at which said bit penetrates the surface. The shroud body further defines a first outlet connected to a source of suction and a third inlet for allowing the bit to pass through said body portion. A first sealing means is arranged in said third inlet for surrounding said bit and resisting the flow of air. Wherein said body portion includes at least one protruding portion defining a second inlet between said protruding portion and an adjacent part of said body, and on a side of said protruding portion remote from the first inlet. The second inlet admits air to enter said body portion and travel to the first outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Ernst Staas, Klaus-Dieter Arich, Rainer Herting, Ralf Bernhart
  • Patent number: 6797029
    Abstract: In a process facility for producing semiconductor wafers, a third physical unit is configured between two physical units that produce mini environments. The third physical unit has a laminar flow at right angles to the laminar flows of the two physical units and is operated with a slightly higher flow velocity. According to the Bernoulli equation, the static pressure in the third physical unit is therefore lower than in the surrounding two physical units. Advantageously, therefore, no contamination from the more highly loaded one of the two physical units passes over into the lesser loaded one of the two physical units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Kay Lederer, Steffen Hornig
  • Patent number: 6769461
    Abstract: An apparatus is developed for discharging a waste gas in a semiconductor (or TFT-LCD) manufacturing process. The present invention has its purpose to constantly set the amount of purge of nitrogen for inducing the waste gas to discharge while increasing a temperature of the waste gas so that dust of the waste gas is not accumulated on the inner wall of a pipe, and prevent an accident such as a burn from occurring in workers. The apparatus includes an inlet transfer 100 having an inlet port 102 and a support rib 104, a discharge transfer 140 having a support jaw 144 fixed to a support rib and forming a blow-off gap 110 along with the inlet transfer, a transfer cap 160 coupled to the top of the inlet transfer, while surrounding the discharge transfer, a heating casing 180 forming a heating room 182 and having a nitrogen inlet port 184, an electric heat wire 200 disposed within the heating room, and a temperature sensor 220 for controlling a temperature of the electric heat wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Sun-Young Lee
  • Publication number: 20040137835
    Abstract: A fume hood is pivotally mounted on a vertically extending axle fixed to a chemical tank and extending through a sleeve in the hood allowing the fume hood, with a flexible coupling to an exhaust blower, to pivot from a use position adjacent the tank to a position pivoted away from the tank to allow an operator to gain access to the tank. In one embodiment, the hood includes a support leg for supporting the end of the hood remote from the pivot connection to the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Larry M. Gregoricka
  • Patent number: 6758875
    Abstract: A robotic welding station cleaning assembly (10) for removing particulates from an air-filled chamber surrounding a welding robot (12). A frame (14) is positioned about the robot (12) and includes a top (20) defining an opening (26) therein. A shield (28) is supported by the frame (14) to define the robot chamber. A spark arrestor (48) is supported on the frame (14) for controlling sparks created by welding. A blower housing (30) having an inlet (27) is disposed immediately above and in direct fluid communication with the opening (26) to move air from the chamber to the blower housing (30). The frame (14) includes a separate support stand (32) for supporting the blower housing (30) on the top (20) of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Great Lakes Air Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James Kenneth Reid, John Robert Reid
  • Patent number: 6755879
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bag filter device (12), which device enables collection and draining of particles of liquid from a gas, normally air, flowing through the bag filter (12). Such a bag filter (12) is normally used to trap solid particles from a gas flow, but where particles of liquid, in which there are for example salts or bacteria, are also trapped and possibly permeate the bag filter (12) and drip out on the downstream side thereof. Then the liquid may be carried further in the gas flow and have disadvantageous effect on equipment and surroundings. According to the invention such drawbacks can be avoided or reduced in that the filter material of a lower portion (18) and a bottom portion (19) in the continuation of the lower portion (18) of the bag filter (12) is formed in its entirety or in an outer filter layer (20) by a liquid-tight material. Possibly, the bottom portion (19) is provided with a liquid outlet (39), so that the liquid separated can collect and be drained from the bag filter (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jorn Watvedt
  • Patent number: 6752710
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for capturing the emissions from a controlled atmosphere treatment apparatus of the type having at least one, and usually several, controlled atmosphere zones therein and exhaust stacks that deliver environmentally unfriendly emissions therefrom. Nozzles are attached to the exhaust stacks from the various controlled atmosphere zones in the treatment apparatus. The nozzles accelerate the exhaust flow from the exhaust stacks, provide a means for measuring the flow from the exhaust stacks, yet maintain the mass flow rates from the exhaust stacks at predetermined levels. The flow from the nozzles is directed through closed conduits to an optional filter and an exhaust fan that provides suction to draw the exhaust flow through the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Dana Canada Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher R. Shore, Michael B. Shaw
  • Patent number: 6752711
    Abstract: A range hood with a motor housing having upper and lower sections joined together along their respective side edges. Cooperating projections with a gap therebetween extend from the side edge of one section of the motor housing. The side edge of the other section of the motor housing is adapted to be Inserted in the gap to be frictionally retained therein. Protrusions ensure proper joining of the upper and lower sections. Additional restraint in the form of a reinforcing assembly comprising a reinforcing strap plus fasteners ensures the upper and lower sections stay properly joined. The motor housing may be made of metal or plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Yeung
  • Patent number: 6705937
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an airflow capture booth with single-plate windbreak comprising an extracting means for extracting polluted air having an opening for air contamination extracting through and a crosswind device for simulating crosswind, the improvement comprises that said crosswind device having a single-plate windbreak perpendicular to an airflow direction of said crosswind having a specific distance to said opening of said extracting means for forming a capture zone, wherein the airflow of said capture zone is not easy to be shed and is extracted mostly by said extracting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Institute of Occupation Safety and Health, Council of Labor Affairs Executive Yuan
    Inventors: Rong Fung Huang, Yu-Kang Chen, Wen-Yu Yeh, Chun-Wan Chen, Jin Hsun Liu
  • Patent number: 6676723
    Abstract: A grease containment assembly to collect grease discharged from a grease exhaust system that has an exhaust duct extending upwardly from a roof top and interconnected to a fan base that connects to an exhaust fan. The grease containment includes a plurality of interconnecting channels positioned around the exhaust duct to form a frame surrounding the exhaust duct. The channels further include a water channel running along the bottom portion defined therein. A sorbent material is further received within the interconnecting channels, having properties that absorbs grease and repels water. A plurality of egresses positioned in the interconnecting channels permit water running along the water channels to drain out of the interconnecting channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Omni Containment Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Chwala
  • Patent number: 6672956
    Abstract: A venting apparatus for chemical containers comprises a vent duct having a plurality of vent ports, a flow control mechanism, and a damper. A closure of a chemical container is coupled to one of the vent ports using suitable tubing, and a second coupling connects the chemical container to equipment that uses the contents of the container. A distal end of the vent duct is coupled to an exhaust fan. In this configuration, vapors evaporating from the contents of the chemical are safely exhausted outside a work facility. As a result, a chemical container that normally would be classified as Use-Open under applicable fire codes is converted to Use-Closed, effectively enabling the work facility to substantially increase the volume of chemicals that may be contained or used in the facility under the code, without requiring upgrade of existing facilities to Hazardous Occupancy standards, or building new facilities that qualify as Hazardous Occupancy and that can use Use-Open chemical containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Integrated Engineering Services
    Inventor: Rizik Michael
  • Publication number: 20030232589
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an airflow capture booth with single-plate windbreak comprising an extracting means for extracting polluted air having an opening for air contamination extracting through and a crosswind device for simulating crosswind, the improvement comprises that said crosswind device having a single-plate windbreak perpendicular to an airflow direction of said crosswind having a specific distance to said opening of said extracting means for forming a capture zone, wherein the airflow of said capture zone is not easy to be shed and is extracted mostly by said extracting means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicants: Institute of Occupation Safety and Health, Council of Labor Affairs, Executive Yuan
    Inventors: Rong Fung Huang, Yu-Kang Chen, Wen-Yu Yeh, Chun-Wan Chen, Jin Hsun Liu
  • Patent number: 6632260
    Abstract: Enclosures having adjustable clean gas flow environments and methods of enclosed pressure differential distribution technology. Specifically, clean gas flow enclosures, which provide for the isolation of materials from airborne micro-particulate contamination. An embodiment of the invention utilizes a small footprint, modular, selectable, clean-gas flow environment for handling and isolating materials. The environment can be a clean room class environment by providing filtered gas from a gas flow generator (12) through a gas filter (13) to a filtered gas flow space (20). An embodiment of the invention provides a first plenum (23) and a second plenum (26) so that both a horizontal filtered gas flow and vertical filtered gas flow may be used separately or in combination within the same filtered gas flow space (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Stratotech Corporation
    Inventors: Warren G. Siemers, Gary D. Hamor
  • Publication number: 20020187742
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for increasing the safety of a clogged or failed exhaust system. In accordance with a first embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes (1) a tank adapted to contain a processing fluid; (2) an exhaust system coupled to the tank and adapted to exhaust a gas from the tank, the gas including a hazardous vapor of the processing fluid; (3) a sensor coupled to the exhaust system and adapted to detect a rate at which gas is exhausted from the tank; and (4) a fluid supply mechanism adapted to supply a diluting fluid to the tank so as to dilute the processing fluid contained by the tank if the rate at which gas is exhausted from the tank is less than a predetermined rate. Systems, methods and computer program products are provided in accordance with this and other embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander N. Lerner, Harshad M. Borgaonkar
  • Patent number: 6475080
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the amount of fumes escaping into the surrounding atmosphere from an open container and from a chemical dispenser, and a method of use thereof comprising a bung slot ventilation apparatus and a chemical dispenser holder apparatus and a method of use thereof. The bung slot ventilation apparatus includes an inlet passageway comprising a fume exhaust port and a bunghole adapter, and a fume exhaust system adapter. And the chemical dispenser holder apparatus includes a holder comprising an inlet and a fume exhaust system adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Roche Colorado Corporation
    Inventor: Marc T. Rothney
  • Patent number: 6468323
    Abstract: A grease containment assembly to collect grease discharged from a grease exhaust system that has an exhaust duct extending upwardly from a roof top and interconnected to a fan base that connects to an exhaust fan. The grease containment includes a plurality of interconnecting U-shaped channels positioned around the exhaust duct to form a frame surrounding said exhaust duct. A sorbent material is further received within the interconnecting channels, having properties that absorbs grease and repels water. A plurality of holes is positioned in the interconnecting channels such that the water repelled by the sorbent material may drain out of the interconnecting channels. In addition the frame is further secured to the exhaust duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Omni Containment Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Chwala
  • Patent number: 6431975
    Abstract: A fume hood is described for use in removing material from, or inserting material into, the opening of a container. The fume hood enclosure has a floor with an opening for insertion of the upper end of the container into the enclosure, with a flexible member around the periphery of the opening to form a seal between the container and the enclosure when the upper end of the container is inserted into the enclosure. A base is provided supporting the hood at a level permitting insertion of the containers beneath the opening in the floor. A vertically adjustable carrier is provided to raise the container to insert the upper end of the container into the enclosure through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Flow Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond F. Ryan
  • Patent number: 6391074
    Abstract: A grease stopper assembly is provided which captures and contains the effluent discharged from the roof vents of commercial cooking facilities. The assembly includes a plurality of two or four hanger assemblies attached to the vent duct curbing lip. A filter housing, including four independent and interchangeable filter compartments, is received and held by the hanger assemblies such that the assembled filter housing circumvents the duct. The filter housing is reinforced by brackets at the joinder of each combination of filter compartments, and the filter compartments, being pentagonal, are reinforced by brackets at the pentagonal apex. Alternate hanger assemblies are provided which include extension members of various lengths to suspend the filter housing at the desired distance from the roof. The filter compartments contain individually replaceable filter elements, of various combinations, including a porous, ultraviolet light resistant layer, and an impermeable bottom layer of plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: James McCrary
  • Patent number: 6366832
    Abstract: The environment of a work space is regulated by a controller connected to a computer network. A personal computer within the work space also is connected to the computer network and displays a control panel with symbols that a worker is able to alter to change environmental parameters operated by the controller. Such environmental parameters may include air flow, temperature and lighting intensity. The settings of the environmental parameters on the computer display are sent to the controller via the computer network. Air diffusers are attached to the computer display device and supplied with air regulated by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Carol Lomonaco, John R. Bobek
  • Publication number: 20020026873
    Abstract: This invention provides an improved method and apparatus for collecting a liquid overspray from a gaseous mist and separating the liquid from the gas stream. The invention has utility in a wide variety of chemical application processes such as to reduce the hazards and waste characterized by prior art methods and provide a mechanism for the in-line recycling of the overspray liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a hooded recovery unit which is oriented above and about a conveyor system in which a workpiece travels through a spray zone in which a chemical or other liquid is applied to the workpiece. In such a situation, the present invention provides for the recovery of overspray liquid which would otherwise be wasted as the liquid or chemical is applied to the workpiece during the period in which the workpiece passes through the recovery unit. The system includes a spray application chamber, a conditioning chamber, and an overspray collection chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Jackie Hearld
  • Patent number: 6332837
    Abstract: An arrangement for removing gas, smoke, solid particles and the like in connection with welding and/or cutting consisting of two parts which can be easily latched together, namely an outer housing and an inner part. The outer housing comprises a unit for the suction of air-borne pollutants, and also a duct arranged with small opening for cooling fluid to escape for cooling both the outer housing and the inner part. A pyramidal shaped structure within the housing for assisting the reduction of the speed and energy of the spark particles formed during welding or cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventors: Vidar Wilk, Reidar V.
  • Patent number: 6322754
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical-technical or dental-technical work table (1) which in its forward region of its table surface (2a) has a protection arrangement (11) having a protection plate (11c) in upwardly extending arrangement, which protection plate is held on the work table by means of a holder (12), whereby there is provided a rearward rear-wall-like protection arrangement part (11b) having a rear wall (11d; 52) behind the protection plate (11c) which part is positionable in a disposition on the work table (1) and/or on a carrier arm (14) in which the rearward protection arrangement part (11b) forms with the protection plate (11c) a hood-shaped protection arrangement (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Siegfried Buchmann, Günther Weiss
  • Patent number: 6302786
    Abstract: A vented laboratory cabinet from which vapors and fumes may be effectively exhausted from all parts of the cabinet includes an interior storage space defined by a plurality of panels that are accessible through a closeable door, at least one shelf carried within the cabinet interior, and a vent pipe extending downwardly from an exhaust opening toward a lower part of the cabinet. Improved venting is achieved with a vent pipe having at least two vertically spaced apart vent openings for passage of gases from the cabinet into the vent pipe, wherein at least one of the vent openings is located above the shelf and at least one other vent opening is located below the shelf. The improved vented laboratory cabinet provides effective evacuation of fumes from both sides of the shelf, whereby accumulation of chemical vapors is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Case Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Bauer, Michael R. Lee
  • Patent number: 6261171
    Abstract: A movable multi-function maintenance apparatus. A first airtight chamber is formed on the second airtight chamber. An exhaust apparatus is placed in a base under the first airtight chamber in order to exhaust first and the second airtight chambers. Thus, the environment is not polluted. A toxic-gas detector is mounted on the first airtight chamber in order to warn workers. A rolling structure is mounted under the base to move the movable multi-function maintenance apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Hong Lee
  • Patent number: 6241597
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining semiconductor is disclosed. The cleaning apparatus includes two parts of a maintaining apparatus and gas-absorbing apparatus The maintaining apparatus mainly comprises a container using for isolating poison gas outside and a inner vessel, both being shaped as a cylinder, having an absorption exit with hose extending. There are an entrance and an exit end for absorption exit of container as well. This absorption exit is formed as for receiving and passing toxic gas. The vessel is as like cylinder shape and which has a hole on the top, also a plurality of holes embodied on the vessel for gas exiting. A disk is provided for covering the vessel container, and also for isolating toxic gas and the natural atmosphere. A plurality of rollers is for providing both functions of loading and rotation of vessel. The gas-absorbing apparatus can provide a source for absorbing gas quickly as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Mosel Vitelic Inc.
    Inventors: Wen-Peng Chiang, Wen-Pin Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6210456
    Abstract: The exhaust system for a drive-thru bay has an elongated suction tube member at one side of a driveway that is parallel to and elevated from the driveway. Wing members are attached to the elongated suction tube to form a channel member with an open side that faces toward the driveway. Apertures through the base of the channel connect the channel to the suction tube. A blower inlet pipe connects the suction tube to a blower. A discharge pipe carries gas away from the blower and discharges the gas into the atmosphere. Filters and converters can be provided in the inlet pipe or the discharge pipe. A pipe with inlet apertures rings a service opening and is connected to the blower inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventors: Brian J. Bailie, J. C. Cotner
  • Patent number: 6171407
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for removing gases produced during off-service cleaning of a processing chamber which operates under vacuum in a wafer fabrication tool. The apparatus includes a ventilation fixture providing a manifold having an internal cavity in fluid communication with a source of vacuum and at least one intake aperture, and a quick disconnect fitting connected to the source of vacuum and in fluid communication with the internal cavity. The manifold is portable and located adjacent to the processing chamber during cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Rackoski, Anthony M. Jones
  • Patent number: 6162118
    Abstract: An isolation device has a movable frame and a barrier mounted on the frame. The barrier partially encloses a space to be occupied by a patient. The device also includes an air conducting unit having a primary duct attached to the barrier such that air can be conducted between the partially enclosed space and an outside location through the primary duct. Attached to the primary duct is a means for moving air between the partially enclosed space and the outside location.The present invention also includes a method of isolating a patient that begins by providing an isolating device according to the present invention. Air is conducted between the partially enclosed space and the outside location through the primary duct using the means for moving air, and a patient is positioned in the partially enclosed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Theodore A. M. Arts
    Inventors: Theodore A. M. Arts, James M. Thomsen
  • Patent number: 6105606
    Abstract: This invention concerns a cabinet for chemical canister storage and dispensing. More particularly, this invention concerns a cabinet structure comprising: walls connected to a base and a top to provide an enclosed structure; wherein at least one wall has at least one vent opening on the lower portion thereof; wherein an upper portion of the cabinet has a exhaust outlet hole; wherein one or more baffles are positioned within the cabinet structure to direct a flow of air over fittings of a canister, a cabinet manifold, or both as the air moves from the at least one vent opening to the exhaust outlet hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Delivery & Chemical Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert M. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6095918
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for closely protecting a workstation. The method includes the steps of (a) providing a horizontal work surface having a top face, an upstream side and a free side opposite the upstream side, the free side having an edge, the work surface being unobstructed and accessible from above the top face and from at least the free side; (b) continuously blowing clean air over the work surface from the upstream side toward the free side so as to form a substantially horizontal flow of the clean air across the work surface and so that the flow of air has a velocity gradient with an upper layer or stream of air having a substantially higher velocity of flow than a lower layer or stream of the air flowing proximal to the top face; and (c) continuously sucking air from the flow of air into a suction intake disposed near the edge of the free side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: N.I.R. Ultra Propre-Nutrition Industrie Recherche
    Inventors: Georges Arroyo, Philippe Marchal
  • Patent number: 6093250
    Abstract: A wet scrubber including an acceleration cone for accelerating an airflow containing paint particles and having a curved inner wall on which water used for capturing paint particles flows downwardly, a mixing chamber for mixing the airflow and water and provided with an impingement pool on which the airflow impacts, a vortex chamber for creating a swirling flow of air and water that further aids the capture of paint particles, and a discharge volute communicating with the vortex chamber and provided with an enlarged discharge port for discharging the air and water. The wet scrubber is used in a paint spray booth, and provides the advantages of reduction in both energy consumption and noise and improvement in the efficiency of the capturing of paint particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignees: University of Kentucky Research Foundation, Toyota Motor Manufacturing
    Inventors: Abraham J. Salazar, Kozo Saito, Richard P. Alloo, Naoji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6093095
    Abstract: An exhaust system for a liquid processing tank including an exhaust conduit provided in a cover closing the tank. The exhaust conduit communicates with an exhaust system externally of the tank and has an inlet port that is closed by a portion of the cover that is movable to an open position to allow access into the tank. Fumes or vapors from the liquid in the tank are removed through the inlet port and exhaust conduit to an external exhaust duct by suction produced in the exhaust system. When the movable portion of the cover is moved to its closed position closing the tank to allow processing of the liquid in the tank, the inlet port in the exhaust conduit is closed by the movable cover portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Benjamin Moore & Co.
    Inventors: Paul Walter Sinker, Jr., Brendan Joseph Meiers, Dana F. Edelman
  • Patent number: 6077157
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for exhausting gases out of multiple processing regions is provided and generally comprises first and second pumping channels disposed in first and second processing regions and connected to a pump via a common exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Fairbairn, Hari K. Ponnekanti
  • Patent number: 6033303
    Abstract: A process and system (60) for controlling the concentration of dust levels in a room (20) within which a paper-making, or finishing, machine (24) is housed involves a ventilation scheme which withdraws air from the room by way of ceiling vents (52) disposed generally above the tissue-making machine and directs fresh air into the room by way of inlet displacement modules (64) located adjacent the walls of the room which creates a moving wall of fresh air through the room. The flow of air being withdrawn from the room is coordinated with the flow of fresh air directed into the room so that a controlled air migration pattern is established and so that the fresh air displaces, rather than is diluted by, the room air. Along with this flow of room air, heat and humidity-generating vapors which are released by the tissue-making machine during operation are also pushed out of the room through the ceiling vents ahead of the fresh air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Valmet, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin S. Green, S. Edward Botterill
  • Patent number: 6024796
    Abstract: A wet scrubber including an acceleration cone for accelerating an airflow containing paint particles and having a curved inner wall on which water used for capturing paint particles flows downwardly, a mixing chamber for mixing the airflow and water and provided with an impingement pool on which the airflow impacts, a vortex chamber for creating a swirling flow of air and water that further aids the capture of paint particles, and a discharge volute communicating with the vortex chamber and provided with an enlarged discharge port for discharging the air and water. The wet scrubber is used in a paint spray booth, and provides the advantages of reduction in both energy consumption and noise and improvement in the efficiency of the capturing of paint particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignees: University of Kentucky Research Foundation, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, North America, Trinity Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Abraham J. Salazar, Kozo Saito, Richard P. Alloo, Naoji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5795219
    Abstract: A nail sculpting station (12) is provided having a plurality of workstations (14), each of the workstations (14) having a work surface 16, a customer arm rest (18) and an exhaust vent (20). A customer's nails are manicured and sculpted while disposed above one of the exhaust vents (20) such that fumes and dust created during the manicuring and sculpting of the customer's nails will be drawn into the exhaust vents (20). The exhaust vents (20) of each of the workstations (14) are connected to a central exhaust duct 26which passes through a central region (24) of the nail sculpting station (12) and through the ceiling (38) above the nail sculpting station (12). The fumes and dust are exhausted exteriorly of the air space within which the nail sculpting technician and the customer are located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: ASR Affiliates, Inc.
    Inventor: Ira Gary Bloom
  • Patent number: 5788565
    Abstract: A smoke exhausting device is disclosed. It includes a housing partitioned into two internal rooms. One of the rooms is a bellows for creating pressure, while the other is a guide box for guiding the smoke. The bellows has an entrance communicated with the guide box and an exit communicated with outer side of the housing. The guide box surrounds a front side, right side, left side and a bottom face of the bellows and is spaced from the bellows to define a path for air flow to smoothly pass therethrough. Each of the three sides is disposed with at least one sucking mouth, which is communicated with the entrance. A bottom of the housing is formed with a downward inclined oil guiding section having an oil outlet at bottom end. The housing can be easily disassembled from the funnel and the sucking mouths of the guide box can be disposed at different positions in different directions, so that the smoke exhausting device is applicable to different sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Li-Lin Chang
  • Patent number: 5775987
    Abstract: A system of casino tobacco smoke elimination based around a series of slot-like air intakes in which slot length is at least twice as great as slot height. In a preferred embodiment air velocity measured at the slot mouth should be about 1300 feet per minute, and a properly operating slot intake should provide a critical air capture velocity of about 50 feet per minute measured six inches from the slot mouth. A screen is preferably placed over the intake vents to prevent unwanted items from being pulled into the system. The suction system powering the slot-like intakes can end in a fan/filter unit that removes smoke pollutants and returns the cleaned air to the room, or the smoke laden air may be exhausted to the outside by the buildings air conditioning-ventilation system which also provides conditioned fresh air to replace the exhausted smoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Oscar J. Brinket
  • Patent number: 5711289
    Abstract: A bulk adhesive handling system (10) having a hopper (16) and a lid (26) includes a vapor removal system (12) comprising a plurality of vent holes (40) formed in the side wall (42) of the hopper (16) of the system. The vent holes (40) are in communication with a venting plenum (44) surrounding the hopper (16), which is connected to a vacuum source (46). The vapor removal system (12) is adapted to withdraw gas from the hopper (16) when the lid (26) is in an open position and to withdraw air from an ambient source when the lid (26) is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory J. Gabryszewski
  • Patent number: 5649997
    Abstract: Apparatus for use with a gaming table or other surfaces for removing and filtering indoor airborne fumes and particles at their point of origin. A laminar exhaust air flow is created across the table surface. The laminar exhaust is drawn by vacuum through air intakes positioned at the table surface and ported through exhaust ducts for filtering and discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventors: Thomas Cavallero, Nickolas C. Gibson, Richard Bilyak
  • Patent number: 5645478
    Abstract: A bucket elevator filter apparatus including a filter unit for removing fugitive airborne particles from air; the filter unit having an inlet for receiving air, a filtered air outlet for discharging filtered air, and a filtered particles outlet for discharging filtered particles; and structure for attaching the filter unit to the hollow casing of a bucket elevator, for forming a passageway between the interior of the hollow casing of the bucket elevator and the inlet of the filter unit, and for allowing air to pass from the interior of the hollow casing of the bucket elevator into the inlet of the filter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Fred M. Edmaiston
  • Patent number: 5643078
    Abstract: A method and system for air-conditioning of a coating station for a paper web in which hot and moist air is removed from the environment of the coating station. In the method, a dry and cool air flow is blown into a working area of a person working at the coating station, to the direct vicinity of the person, so as to air-condition the working area and to constitute breathing air for the person. Out of the working area of the person, from the direct vicinity of the person, hot and moist air is removed as a suction flow. The system for air-conditioning of a coating station for a paper web or equivalent is placed in connection with the coating station and includes an exhaust air device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Paavo Sairanen, Jan Lindstrom, Osmo Lamminpaa
  • Patent number: 5634845
    Abstract: A method for sizing a source capture system for an air cleaning system involves a determination of the maximum dissipated heat energy of an industrial process based upon a horsepower output of any motors used by the process, and a determination of the characteristics and maximum coolant pressure of any liquid coolant and the maximum terminal velocity of the ambient air surrounding the source capture system if the source capture system is at least partially open to ambient air. Using these factors, a minimum air flow velocity of air entering the source capture system is established. This minimum air flow velocity is then used to determine an effective cross-sectional size of the opening of the source capture system based upon a given air velocity volume within the source capture system. By utilizing this method with a preferred embodiment of a structure for the source capture system, it is possible to optimize the size of the openings in the source capture system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Helical Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Wolodymyr Diachuk
  • Patent number: 5634847
    Abstract: Fiberglass reinforced plastic fume exhaust systems include duct walls having apertures therein covered with meltable thermoplastic resins mounted thereon which melt and open up the apertures when exposed to high temperatures thereby admitting ambient air therein to reduce the temperature downstream of the systems and reduce the suction pressure at source of the high temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Shea Technology
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Shea
  • Patent number: 5624309
    Abstract: A work station comprising a portable platform defining a work area for soldering and desoldering operations for electrical/electronic components with fume removal and reduced build-up of static electricity by providing a conductive surface in the work area connected to a ground and an air extraction plenum on the back side of the platform which communicates fumes from the work area to a vent. The fan communicates with the air extraction plenum to induce a negative pressure around a face side of the plenum for moving air and fumes through intake slots into the plenum. Nozzles mounted on a front side of the platform direct low pressure air flowing at a rate of one to four cubic feet per minute across the work station towards to the facing side of the plenum. A method of removing solder fumes is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventors: Karl H. Schuepstuhl, Michael A. Wegner
  • Patent number: 5621929
    Abstract: A work station comprising a support unit which includes a liquid collection surface with a drain outlet, and which provides a support surface; at least at least one work facility, such as a sink or a drainage surface, mounted removably in the support unit on the support surface, the work facility having a drain outlet through which liquid can drain from the work facility onto the collection surface of the support unit, for collection for the drain outlet provided therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Afos Limited
    Inventor: John W. Smith