Abstract: A filter cleaning apparatus for cleaning cylindrical filters comprises a support frame, a mounting clamp on the support frame for supporting a filter in a vertical orientation, inner and outer air nozzles mounted for vertical movement along the inner and outer surfaces of a filter for directing an air jet against the respective surface for dislodging debris therefrom, and inner and outer vacuum nozzles mounted adjacent to and moveable with the air nozzles for drawing in debris dislodged by the air jets.

Abstract: A thermal decomposition trap includes a trap main body (21) having an inlet port (26) for supplying a gas to be thermally decomposed and an outlet port (27) for exhausting the gas, and a heater (23, 25) for heating the gas supplied in the trap main body (21). An oil trap (28) containing an oil and having an oil discharge port (29) and a valve (V3) connected thereto is formed on a bottom portion of the trap main body (21). Particles generated by thermal decomposition of the gas are precipitated in the oil in the oil trap (28). The oil containing the particles is easily discharged in a short time period by opening the valve (V3) mounted on the oil discharge port (29). An oil-free auxiliary pump is arranged between a reaction chamber and the thermal decomposition trap, whereby a mass flow rate of exhaust from rate in the reaction chamber is not reduced regardless of the arrangement of the thermal decomposition trap.

Abstract: The filter unit is of the type comprising a casing (2), filter tubes (5) associated with a filtering surface (6), shaker means (7) for the filtering surface (6), a suction pipe (10) associated with the casing and a suction pipe (11) associated with one or more turbines and characterized in that the casing (2) comprises above the filtering surface (6) at least two separate chambers (13,13') each independently connected to the suction pipe (11) associated with one or more turbines.

Abstract: A lightweight upright vacuum cleaner having a porous filter bag and a re-usable dirt cup in which the handle has two positions for either upright usage, or substantially horizontal usage on stairs, or the like. The cleaner is further provided with a rigid support bar connecting the handle to the base of the vacuum cleaner and which is located outside the porous bag and the dirt cup in order to provide a large volume porous bag and dirt cup.

Abstract: A bag separator having a bag housing containing a moveable bag head supporting a plurality of depending filter bags includes a bag shaker which may be readily provided for either manual or power operation. Parts of the shaker mechanism are common to both the manually operated bag shaker and the power driven bag shaker so that a manually operated bag shaker may be easily retrofitted for power operation.

Abstract: A cyclone separator having a manually operable bag shaker mechanism including a vertically oriented shaker rod supported on the top wall of the separator housing for vertical reciprocal and rotational movement relative to the separator housing. A filter bag disposed within the housing is suspended from a shaker bar mounted in fixed position on the lower end of the shaker rod. A compression spring received on the shaker rod acts between the top wall and a knob secured in fixed position to the upper end of the shaker rod. When the spring is compressed and released in its compressed position in response to a downwardly directed force on the knob a plurality of shaking cycles are produced which dislodges dust and other caked particulate material from the filter bag. The knob may be turned in either direction about its axis to twist the filter bag and thereby dislodge material from it.

Abstract: A powered surface maintenance machine having an exhaust air system for dust control is equipped with air filters for removing dust from the air before exhausting it to atmosphere. Automatic means are provided to mechanically shake dust from the filters whenever enough has accumulated on them to adversely affect dust control. This filter cleaning is accomplished with no attention from the machine operator and does not interrupt the operation of the machine or the air flow needed for dust control.

Abstract: Filter cake is shaken off a candle or other similar filter by impact action. Sullied solution is passed in cross flow through a vertical disposed tube of a filter element, such as a tubular screen, positioned in a lower filter chamber and into a central axial exit tube which extends through an apertured horizontal partition forming the bottom of an upper filter chamber. An outlet housing surrounds and is fixed with respect to the exit tube in the upper chamber. One or more belleville or coil springs are positioned between the outlet housing and the partition. An impact force is applied against the top of the outlet housing to drive the outlet housing, exit tube, and candle filter so that the assembly impacts downwardly against and compresses the belleville or coil springs. The stored energy returns the housing, tube and filter upward to a reimpaction position.

Abstract: Automatically operable protection is afforded to eliminate pollution to the atmosphere caused by failure of fabric filter bags in a filter network. This is achieved by increases after bag failure in aerodynamic flow volume of fluid in the flow path to the individual filter bags past a closure valve structure. Critical and rapid response is achieved by an aerodynamic substantially flat plate member pivotably mounted off center to initiate movement toward a closure position. A counterweight on the smaller area side moving toward closure assures closure of the flow path. The valve may be latched close, and may telemeter closure to a central location visible to an operator. For reverse jet type systems the valve is mounted in a fluid output flow path from the filter bags in a location where the reverse jet flow does not pass through the valve. Consistent operation of a plurality of networked valves is assured by locating them in flow path positions having little turbulence.

Abstract: Separation of particulate matter in the form of solids, liquid particles and mixtures thereof from a carrier medium comprising of air, vapor, gases, flue or mixtures thereof by means of a moving form having a moving surface with perforations or apertures which causes the particulate matter to be blocked, intercepted, impacted and deflected away resulting in clean air, vapor, gases etc. devoid of any particulate matter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter screen for the air outlet of an apparatus used to produce solid sulphur particles from a stream of molten sulphur supplied to the apparatus. According to the invention the filter screen comprises a plurality of closely spaced resiliently deformable filter elements arranged across the air outlet. The advantage of this arrangement is that sulphur particles collected on the resiliently deformable filter elements can be easily removed by causing the filter elements to vibrate. The filter elements may take the form of coil springs arranged adjacent one another about the air outlet.

Abstract: A rapper for use in vibrating parts of an electrostatic precipitator by utilizing an impact force. An anvil is connected to a part of an electrostatic precipitator, such as, a section of electrodes either discharge electrodes or collecting plates or electrodes. A striker is engageable with an impact force on the anvil for vibrating the anvil as a result of the striker applying an impact force to the anvil. The vibration of the anvil is transmitted to the part. An elongated connector has one end connected to the striker. Crank means is connected to the elongated connector for raising the striker above the anvil and allowing the striker to drop into impact engagement with the anvil vibrating the anvil and the part of the electrostatic precipitator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing a pollutant such as dust (33) from a fluid stream (34). A nested array of fibers (35) is provided in a substantially annular container (36) having openings in its inner (32) and outer (31) cylindrical sides of such size as to retain the fibers (35) within the container while permitting fluid (34) to pass through easily, and the pollutant-containing fluid stream (34) is passed through at least a substantial portion of the container (36) from a region (37) outside the outer side (31) to a region (38) inside the inner side (32). Thus a substantial fraction of the pollutant (33) is separated from the fluid stream (34) in a portion of the nested array (35) generally nearer to the outer side (31) of the container (36) than to the inner side (31).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing a pollutant from a fluid stream. A nested array of fibers (1) is provided in a substantially confined region (2). The pollutant-containing fluid stream (4) is passed through a substantial portion of the nested array (1) from an inlet area (7) therein to a fluid-outlet area (8) that is spaced apart substantially from the inlet area (7). A substantial fraction of the pollutant (9) is separated from the fluid stream (4) in a portion of the nested array (1) generally nearer to the inlet area (7) than to the fluid-outlet area (8), and a substantial fraction of the separated pollutant (9) is removed from the nested array (1) at a pollutant-outlet area (12) that is spaced apart from the inlet area (7) and from the fluid-outlet area (8), while the fluid stream (4) may continue to pass through the nested array (1).

Abstract: A rapping mechanism for the rapping of discharge and field electrodes in a high voltage driven electrostatic precipitator used for the cleansing of smoke laden gases from industrial plants, power works etc. The rapping effect is obtained by metal balls which run from the top of the precipitator to its bottom along a number of sloping tracks which are mounted stepwise, with differences of level, on the electrodes or on the carrying frames of same. A single ball in connection with its changing from one track to the following track, when falling freely and moving horizontally, hits both the underlying track and a stop mounted near the lower end of the track thereby causing each electrode carrying frame to receive two consecutive blows of different force so that the frame is rapped and the deposited dust is loosened and falls off. A lifting device of known type carries the balls from a terminated passage down along the tracks to a starting position for a renewed passage of the tracks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of purifying pyrolysis gases preferably containing hydrogen halides and/or acidic gaseous sulfur compounds by simultaneous neutralization and dust separation in which the gas entraining large amounts of dusty solid particles is led through a bulk bed for the purpose of binding the gaseous pollutants, and an apparatus for carrying out said method. The problem of clogging and plugging of the bulk bed is solved in that the grains of the bulk bed are set in shocklike movement and are thus subjected to a minimum wear by mechanical abrasion, the clogging of the bulk bed filter thus being avoided and the purification of the gas improved.

Abstract: A rapping mechanism for an electrostatic precipitator comprises hammers (1) which are swingable on a shaft (2) carrying a driver pin (6). As the shaft rotates, the driver pin (6) engages a surface (7) of a pawl (4), which is pivoted on the hammer (1), thus picking up and raising the hammer until the pawl (4) is disengaged from the driver pin (6) by an adjustable release tap (9). The hammer then swings back down under gravity and raps a bar (13) connected to electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter screen for the air outlet of an apparatus used to produce solid sulphur particles from a stream of molten sulphur supplied to the apparatus. According to the invention the filter screen comprises a plurality of closely spaced resiliently deformable filter elements arranged across the air outlet. The advantage of this arrangement is that sulphur particles collected on the resiliently deformable filter elements can be easily removed by causing the filter elements to vibrate. The filter elements may take the form of coil springs arranged adjacent one another about the air outlet. Also disclosed is a method for producing sulphur particles in which sulphur coating a filter screen is periodically dislodged by vibrating resilient deformable filter elements.

Abstract: An air filtering apparatus is disclosed having a housing defining a chamber with an air inlet and an air outlet. A filter assembly is disposed within the housing and is provided with a first cylindrical filter element and a second cylindrical filter element received within the first element and coaxially aligned. The first filter element and second filter element are supported with opposing surfaces of said elements defining an annular chamber. One axial end of the annular chamber is fixedly sealed and the second end of the axial chamber is provided with a sealing plate connected to a diaphragm for sealing the chamber in response to a suction applied to the second filter element. An impact cleaning mechanism is provided for impacting the second filter element and cleansing it when the annular chamber is exposed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for removing paint overspray suspended in air exhausted from a paint spray booth, in which the exhausted air is drawn through a conveyor-carried bed of small diameter beads or granules of plastic or other material allowing only a mild adherence of the paint to their surfaces upon drying. The paint overspray is removed from the air by being deposited on the surfaces of the beads as the air passes through the beads and paint is subsequently rapidly dried on the bead surfaces in a drying chamber. The paint carrying beads are then mechanically agitated to dislodge the dried paint to clean the beads for reuse, and the dislodged paint particles are separated from the cleaned beads for collection and disposal.

Abstract: A bag is shown for use with an upright vacuum cleaner of the type having a motor fan contained in a main housing for producing an air flow out an air duct of the housing. The bag includes a flexible body having side walls formed of an air pervious material which define a normally closed interior and a mouth opening. The mouth opening of the flexible body is secured to the air duct of the main housing to produce an air flow through the flexible body for exhaust to the atmosphere. An oscillator tube, formed of a flexible material, has an interior, an open end at one extent and an intake opening at the opposite extent. The intake opening is arranged to communicate with the mouth opening of the bag body so that the air flow from the main housing passes through the oscillator tube and causes oscillations, the oscillations of the tube serving to vibrate the bag and prevent the buildup of dirt on the bag interior side walls.

Abstract: A filter device for purifying air or gas comprises at least one filter layer (2) which is hit and permeated by a gas flow passing through the filter device, so as to separate contaminated constituents from said gas flow. In the immediate vicinity of the front surface of the filter layer (2) that is initially hit by the advancing gas, there are mounted a plurality of flexible strips (8) of a fibrous or non-woven material which are movable with respect to said surface and adapted automatically to be set in motion by the advancing gas in order to whip or otherwise mechanically work said filter layer (2) to counteract premature clogging thereof, and adapted themselves to intercept and separate contaminated constituents from the gas flow so as to prefilter the gas flow before it reaches the filter layer (2).

Abstract: A unique hybrid shop-style and continuous-duty vacuum collector using a large diameter filter has the advantages and capabilities of both specialized types. Because of efficient design and the use of pleated paper, the effective filter surface area is many times that of a conventional shop vacuum. This enables extended runs between filter cleanings in a reliable portable machine intended for both the hobbyist and the commercial shop operator. The filter cleaning mechanism breaks away the dirt accumulated on the filter surfaces by means of a plurality of shock generators symmetrically located at the filter circumference. These peripherally-generated shocks and the resulting filter oscillations are efficiently distributed by the design to be exactly parallel to the pleated paper surfaces, in order to protect the filter from damage. A mechanical sail interlock prevents further damage by precluding accidental activation of the filter cleaning mechanism during the dirt collection process.

Abstract: A unique hybrid shop-style and continuous-duty vacuum collector of reasonable size offers the advantages and capabilities of both specialized types, by substantially multiplying the conventional shop vacuum effective filter surface area, while preserving machine portability. The preferred embodiment employs three cylindrical pleated-paper filters to collect a wide range of sizes and weights of mixed dust and particulate debris. It is intended for both the hobbyist and the commercial shop operator who desire extended runs between filter cleanings. The filter cleaning mechanism efficiently breaks away the filtered accumulation, but protects the filter material from damage, by the carefully oriented application of mechanical shocks to generate cleaning oscillations of the filter surfaces only in their own planes. A mechanical sail interlock prevents additional filter damage by precluding accidental activation of the filter cleaning mechanism during the dirt collection process.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a dust chamber, a vacuum chamber and a source for producing low pressure in the vacuum chamber, wherein the dust chamber and the vacuum chamber are partitioned by a first filter unit, and wherein the vacuum chamber is provided with a secondary filter unit in which at least one filter element is suspended from the ceiling of the vacuum chamber radially thereof. A rotary shaft is provided at the center of the radially arranged filter elements, the rotary shaft radially supporting vibrating vanes, each of which is designed to vibrate each filter element of the secondary filter unit on its inner peripheral portion, thereby causing the dust entrained therein to fall off by vibration. The rotary shaft is additionally provided with a single vibrating arm horizontally extended so as to vibrate each filter element of the secondary filter unit on its bottom portion.

Abstract: An electrode rapping arrangement for cleaning the collecting electrodes of a pair of serially aligned electrode assemblies in an electrostatic precipitator. The rapping arrangement includes a shaft extending horizontally across the interior of the precipitator between the electrode assemblies, and a crank mounted on the shaft between each of the opposing serially aligned electrodes of the electrode assemblies. An articulated linkage is pivotally secured to each of the cranks so as to swing a hammer mounted on the end of the linkage into an associated electrode on one of the electrode assemblies when the shaft is rotated in one direction and into an opposing electrode on the other electrode assembly when the shaft is rotated in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A rapper for striking a target in a precipitator includes a hammer having a hub pivotally attached to a frame. The rapper also has a drive sprocket rotatably mounted in the frame. The sprocket has a driving plurality of spaced teeth distributed on the sprocket along a given peripheral sector. The latter cover less than the entire periphery of the sprocket. The teeth of the sprocket are distributed to mesh with and then release spokes on the hub of the hammer.

Abstract: Means are provided for continuous filtration of foreign matter from a fluid stream, without requiring a discontinuance of filtration to clean filter surfaces. The apparatus alternately directs the fluid to be filtered to one or another of a plurality of filter compartments, each containing a filter medium. Sensing means are provided to sense the condition of filter clogging in the compartments, and diverting means are provided to divert the flow of fluid to a compartment having a relatively clean filter, when a clogging condition is sensed. Thus, the fluid stream is always directed to a filtering compartment having relatively clean filter media therein. Additionally, means are provided for cleaning the filter medium in a compartment not being used.

Abstract: An apparatus for neutralizing acidic or acid-containing pollutants in furnace flue gases comprising a flue gas duct having an inner pipe suspended therein and arranged so that the flue gases can flow both inside and outside the pipe. Preferably, the gases flow upwards around the outside of the pipe to an outlet zone. Atomizers project into the inner pipe for spraying an extremely fine suspension of a neutralizing agent in water into the flue gases flowing through the pipe. The inner pipe is formed from a plurality of longitudinal strips which are separate from each other and are suspended from their upper ends. Vibrating apparatus is provided for periodically vibrating the strips to dislodge deposits of neutralizing agent and fly ash on the inside of the pipe, thereby preventing the build-up of a permanent coating.

Abstract: A layer of particles of carbon black is used as a filtration medium in the separation of carbon black from a gaseous stream containing carbon black.

Abstract: An improved arc-welding flux recovery device which is compact, contamination-free, and can be economically maintained.

Abstract: A vertical media bed dust collector in which the media bed of a filter panel is rejuvenated when necessary by interrupting the gas flow through the panel, withdrawing the filter media from the panel, separating the agglomerated dust from the filter media, returning the filter media to the filter panel, and reestablishing the gas flow through the panel. The system further includes apparatus for removing collected dust from the separating and recirculating surfaces of the media handling apparatus and also from the remote face of the filter panels before the cleaned gas is allowed to pass out of the collector so that the cleaned gas is not recontaminated by small amounts of dust adhering to those surfaces.

Abstract: Classifying apparatus and methods for the separation of solids of differing sizes includes a screening deck having an inclined frame and a screen in the frame on which the solids are deposited and moved downwardly. A plurality of beams extend beneath the screen transversely of the frame and the ends of the beam are mounted to the frame by a resilient mounting to isolate vibrations of the beam from the frame. A tappet assembly is fixed to each of the beams and contacts the underside of the screen and a vibrator motor is mounted to each of the beams to directly vibrate the beam, the tappet assembly of each beam, and the screen. Controls may be provided for independently operating each of the vibrators to vary one or both of the frequency or the amplitude of the vibrations of the screen over its length.

Abstract: A cyclone separator for generating snow from liquid carbon dioxide comprising a flexible frustoconical member having an open upper end and an open lower end and defining a separation chamber. Injection nozzles having orifices for injecting liquid carbon dioxide located in the upper end of the separation chamber. Each injection nozzle is radially spaced inwardly from the frustoconical member and the orifice of each nozzle is directed outwardly toward the frustoconical member so that liquid carbon dioxide injected into the separation chamber forms a mixture of snow and vapor which is discharged from the open lower end of the frustoconical member. A mechanical impactor mounted at the lower end of the frustoconical member to contact the frustoconical member and loosen snow which builds up in the separation chamber.

Abstract: A plural bag dust collector filter apparatus for filtering air to remove dust and similar contaminants therefrom including a plurality of vertically elongated tubular cylindrical upwardly opening filter bags and respective associated shape-maintaining skeletal cylindrical wire cages inwardly lining the filter bags arranged in transversely plural longitudinal rows of plural filter bags each in a box-like chamber, and a shake-down mechanism comprising vertically elongated beater rods located respectively within and depending substantially throughout the vertical height of the respective filter bag cages and their associated filter bags. Rotatable crank arms pivotally coupled to the opposite ends of supporting bars for the beater rods and a powered drive therefor are provided to impact the beater rods inwardly against their associated cages and develop sufficient force to dislodge dust build-up on the surfaces of the filter bags.

Abstract: A sweeping machine is disclosed including a planar pleated filter and a striking mechanism for removing collected dust from the pleated filter. The striking mechanism includes an elongated strap with resilient pad which overlies the pleated filter. A rotatably driven eccentric weight drives the strap and pad to strike the upper surface of the pleated filter.An industrial filter device is disclosed including a planar pleated filter and a striking mechanism for removing collected dust from the pleated filter. The striking mechanism includes an elongated strap which overlies the pleated filter. A rotatably driven eccentric weight drives the strap to strike the upper surface of the pleated filter.

Abstract: The disclosure is of gas-cleaning apparatus comprising a chamber having a downwardly vertical gas and fluid flow path, with the gas and fluid moving at high velocity. One or more layers of solids is disposed across the path of gas and fluid flow, and these solids and the spaces between them act as multiple venturi scrubbers and impingement surfaces so that the gas is cleaned by agglomeration and absorption. A vibrator is coupled to the layers of solids for vibrating them to prevent matter removed from the gas from adhering thereto and blocking the passages therebetween.Also disclosed is a centrifugal cyclone separator, adapted to be coupled to the output of the above-described gas scrubber, comprising an upright chamber containing a rotatable cylinder carrying blades on its outer surface, the free edges of the blades being positioned close to the inner wall of the chamber. The blade configuration and high rotational velocity and long distance travel of the gases provide improved separating action.

Abstract: A sweeper hopper with a filter assembly is provided. The filter assembly separates the hopper into a dirt and debris-receiving chamber and an exhaust chamber. Air-borne dirt carried through the dirt and debris chamber is trapped by the filter assembly and the air enters the exhaust chamber from which it is exhausted through a blower. A holding frame holds the filter in place against a supporting frame or flanges. The frame has a shaker motor which is periodically operated to clean the filter by vibration. When the filter is to be replaced, the holding frame is readily separable therefrom for rapid replacement, yet the holding frame securely holds the filter in place when the sweeper is in operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a granular bed dust collector system in which the granular bed of a filter panel is rejuvenated when necessary by interrupting the gas flow through the panel, withdrawing the granular filter media from the panel, dedusting the filter media to dislodge and separate the collected dust from the granules, returning the granular filter media to the filter panel, and reestablishing the gas flow through the panel. One filter panel or a plurality connected in parallel can be serviced, preferably sequentially, by a dedusting unit comprised of a plurality of surfaces which are inclined with respect to the vertical and are spaced both vertically and horizontally so that the filter media cascades from one surface to the other while the dust falls in between.

Abstract: The exhaust manifold in a pressure filter is spring mounted and vibrated along a vertical axis to dislodge filter cakes from filter tubes suspended from the manifold.

Abstract: An industrial vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner comprises a housing having an inlet port, means for creating a vacuum in the housing to suck dust into the housing, means located in the housing adjacent such inlet port for separating any liquid or snow which may be drawn up with the dust, and a filter, also located in the housing, for collecting the dust.

Abstract: A sweeping machine is disclosed including a planar pleated filter and a striking mechanism for removing collected dust from the pleated filter. The striking mechanism includes an elongated strap which overlies the pleated filter. A rotatably driven eccentric weight drives the strap to strike the upper surface of the pleated filter.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator rapping system of the type which lifts weights and then allows the weights to fall to impact on precipitator elements to impart particulate-dislodging vibration thereto. The system includes a rotating drive shaft and a plurality of individual rapping mechanisms disposed along the drive shaft. Each rapping mechanism includes a driving assembly affixed to the drive shaft and a driven assembly mounted for pivotal movement. A means attached to the driven assembly lifts a weight as the driven assembly pivots in one direction towards a release position and allows the weight to fall to impact as the driven assembly pivots in the other direction towards a resting position.

Abstract: A rapping system is provided for the collecting electrode plates of an electrostatic precipitator. The rapping mechanism is placed above the plates outside the precipitator casing, and the rapping impacts are transmitted by a transmitting member having rigidly joined vertical and horizontal portions. The transmitting member is hingedly or pivotally mounted on a fixed support at the joint between the vertical and horizontal portions. The horizontal portion is connected to a collector plate or to an impact distributing member which is attached to a plurality of collector plates. The vertical portion extends upward to the rapping mechanism and the impacts are transmitted down to the horizontal portion and through the horizontal portion to one or more plates.

Abstract: A resiliently supported filter support plate, with tubular filters depending therefrom, is provided with an overlying rock shaft carrying rocker arms having depending hammer heads arranged to strike and jar the filter mounting plate to shake off the filter cake. A resilient crank arm is connected to the rock shaft and is provided with parallel, cantilever mounted leaf springs that receive an eccentric drive roller which oscillates the rock shaft through one or the other of the leaf springs and causes the hammer heads to strike the filter support plate before the striking stroke of the roller has been completed. The driven leaf spring is then deflected by the roller as it completes its striking stroke, further motion of the hammer heads having been interrupted by the filter support plate. On the hammer lift stroke the eccentric roller retracts the hammer via the other leaf spring.

Abstract: A rotary separator has a generally closed housing whose upper portion is formed with a row of throughgoing windows. A lining of flexible sheet material is secured in the housing over the windows. A fan in the upper portion of the housing circulates air in the housing up through an annular sleeve centered in the housing, down around the sleeve in an annular passage, and then up through the sleeve again. Below the lower end of the sleeve is provided an upwardly open discharge funnel. Particulate material to be graded is introduced into the upper portion of the housing with the fan rotating so that the heavy fraction falls down into the funnel and the light fraction is entrained upwardly outside the funnel. A device is provided for inwardly deflecting the lining and knocking off it caked-on material so as to prevent this material from building up and blocking the outer annular flow passage.

Abstract: The means and method for the cleaning and self-cleaning of an electrostatic precipitator is especially suited for adaptation to an electronic air cleaner comprised of an ionizer unit and a collecting cell unit adapted to be included in tandem within a suitable cabinet; means to bring air to be cleaned through these units are also provided, and these may or may not be an integral part of the cleaner. The ionizer unit may include support members for a plurality of ground plates between which are located ionizing wires which normally carry a low current but high voltage, preferably in the neighborhood of 10,000 to 14,000 volts. (Some electronic air cleaners, however, use voltages in the 5,000 to 9,000 volts range. This invention will also work effectively with them.

Abstract: In the apparatus for regeneration of filters for antidust respirators according to the invention, a pump for blowing air through the filter comprises two coaxially mounted bellows with common bottom and top walls. The bottom wall is rigidly fixed in the casing of the apparatus and has passages for the admission of air into the space between the bellows, and for discharging dust-laden air from the interior of the inner bellows. The top wall supports an adaptor with a cover, for mounting the filter being regenerated.The apparatus according to the invention enables the bidirectional blowing of the filter, thus improving the quality of regeneration and reducing the time required for cleaning.

Abstract: Rapping shaft drive assembly for electrostatic precipitators including a rotatably mounted isolator disposed between a rapping shaft and rapping shaft support means, the isolator including heat means therein and the support means including at least two rollers in communication only in points with the isolator whereby heat transmitted from the heated isolator to the rollers is minimized.

Abstract: A separator for removing frozen or condensed water from an air stream, such as to aircraft environmental and avionics cooling systems, is described which comprises a generally tubular housing having an inlet and outlet, one or more flexible disks and baffle plates disposed in preselected spacing within the housing to define a tortuous air path therethrough, a motor, such as in the form of a magnetic pulse solenoid, operatively connected to each disk for controllably flexing each disk whereby moisture deposited on the disk is removed, and a conduit operatively connected to the housing for draining moisture therefrom.