Abstract: An air purifier includes a cabinet, an electrically driven fan, a replaceable filter element, and an air quality sensor. A display provides a visual indication of the air quality condition. A microprocessor is programmed to control the speed of the fan automatically according to the air quality condition. The microprocessor also computes when the filter element must be changed by totalling the time of operation and its speed (which equals air quality) so that for example the filter element will be changed more often (used for less aggregate time) when the air purifier is operated in a poor quality environment.

Abstract: A furnace filter assembly for removing dirt and contamination from air entering an existing furnace is installable on the existing furnace without the need for modification thereof, and includes a filter frame, a supply roll for supporting a continuous length of bulk filter media, a take-up roll for receiving the filter media as it is advanced from the supply roll across the filter frame, a motor for rotating the take-up roll for advancing the filter media, all of which components are mounted on the filter frame. The assembly further includes a motor control system having a pressure sensor, a timer, and a switch in electrical communication with a controller for energizing and de-enegizing the motor in response to conditions of the filter media.

Abstract: An air improver device and method for air improvement in spaces. The device for air improvement for an air-conditioning system comprises a metering mechanism which carries out a controllable metering of the quantity of an active substance discharged per unit time. The device further includes an absorbent receiving carrier, onto which the active substance discharged by the metering mechanism is metered.

Abstract: A system for filtering air entering the housing of a computer. A filter is placed in the path of air entering the computer housing. A timing program is installed on the computer to keep track of the total amount of time the computer has run since installation or service of the filter. After the computer has run for a predetermined amount of time, the program causes the computer to prompt the computer user to change or service the filter.

Abstract: The plant (10) has N adsorbers (R1 to R0) operating according to a cycle with at most N phase times. For the method of controlling this plant, a mobile parameter for identifying the operating state of the adsorber which is in each successive phase time of the cycle is firstly associated with the said phase time. For a given phase time, a parameterized sequence (S, S′) of control steps of the plant (10) during the said given phase time is then defined, each adsorber controlled by the steps of the said sequence being denoted by the parameter for identifying the operating state of the said adsorber. A control sequencer of the plant (10) is lastly generated by matching an adsorber (R1 to R0) with each mobile parameter of the parameterized sequence during each phase time of the cycle, so as to cause the succession of phase times of the cycle to be followed at all the adsorbers in operation.

Abstract: An air purifier (10) is provided having a housing (11) having a grilled air inlet (12), a grilled air outlet (13), and a control panel (14). The air purifier (10) also includes a pre-filter (16), a main filter (17), a blower (18) and a controller (19), all mounted within the housing (11). The controller (19) has a central processing unit having a permanent memory for storing the program instructions for operation and control of the air purifier, a working memory, and a non-volatile memory for the permanent storage of programs and counters. The controller is programmable so as to control the operation of the blower according to time and speed parameters entered into memory.

Abstract: A system and method for passive hypoxic training provides a person with a low oxygen (hypoxic) environment. Oxygen sensors automatically monitor and control oxygen levels to maintain the altitude desired. CO2 levels are monitored and CO2 is eliminated so that the air a person breathes is substantially clean and fresh. Exposure to a high altitude environment produces physiological changes in a person's body, which becomes more efficient at absorbing and transporting oxygen. Using the present method and system, athletes obtain the benefits of sleeping at a simulated altitude in the user's own home for six to twelve hours, rather than traditional altitude therapies in which athletes spend two to three weeks at high altitude before an athletic competition to obtain similar benefits. This system allows for “live high train low” altitude training that has been shown in controlled studies to provide superior benefits to “live high train high” training.

Abstract: Bag house construction wherein groups of bags are substantially isolated from other groups of bags by partitions to provide a substantially separate cell for each group of bags, whereby each cell can be selectively taken off-stream to render the cell passive for a finite period of time to enhance gravitational migration of floaters and other suspended particles toward a hopper, and whereby bag cleaning air at ambient conditions can be sent down into the bags and out thru the fabric filtering media thereof at a substantially even flow without impedance from upwardly flowing, turbulent feed air.

Abstract: An economical air purification system and process that greatly reduces concentrations of dust and noxious gases to provide for a cleaner and healthier enviroment for people, plants, poultry and other animals. Desirably, the special air purification system and process has a set of modules arranged for emitting overlapping flow patterns of ions. The modules can include parallel arrays of ionizers which are preferably arranged in a matrix or grid pattern. For even better results, the ionizers can comprise self-cleaning ionizers. One or more fans can be spaced from the modules to circulate the ions and air as well as draw influent air through the intake ports and exhaust purified air through the outlet ports. Heaters can also be provided to heat the circulating air.

Abstract: A regenerable air cleaning device is disclosed which comprises a filter holder supporting a regenerable filter that includes activated carbon fibers (ACF) and a control system that is adapted to determine when to regenerate the regenerable filter. The device exhibits high performance and longevity over many regeneration cycles.

Abstract: A furnace filter system or kit for installation on an existing furnace duct includes upper and lower supply roll supports respectively mountable on the top and bottom walls of the duct adjacent one side wall of the duct for removably receiving a supply roll of filter media therebetween, and upper and lower take-up roll supports respectively mounted on the top and bottom walls of the duct adjacent the other side thereof for removably receiving a filter media take-up roll therebetween. Slots are provided in the side walls of the duct inwardly adjacent the corresponding one of the supply roll and take-up roll and between the top and bottom walls of the duct, and a filter media supporting frame assembly is received in the duct and has opposite sides provided with guide slots therein aligned with the duct slots.

Abstract: A filtration system for trapping airborne contaminants as exemplified in evacuating smoke generated during a surgical procedure wherein operation efficiency thereof is automatically reported in relation to filter structure cumulative use time and cumulative airflow volume. In a first embodiment a system processor correlates cumulative vacuum pump motor speed, operation duration, and air pressure difference measurements over an airflow filter path into a cumulative value and automatically compares that value to a plurality of known pre-determined correlated values to thereby provide filter life expectancy which is conveyed to a memory device of the filter structure for retention and. conveyance for display. In a second embodiment a self-contained microprocessor and memory device of the filter structure is in communication with the system processor to receive, store, and send filter structure time-duration operability data which is sent to a data display site for display.

Abstract: A method and circuit for monitoring the useful life of a filter for a filter-fan product. The method includes the steps of detecting use of a fan of the filter-fan product with a microprocessor, counting from a predetermined initial counter value a duration of usage of the fan with a counter of the microprocessor to determine a present counter value, sending a signal representing the present counter value from the microprocessor to a display and displaying the remaining useful life of the filter based on the signal received from the micro processor. Use of the fan is preferably detected by detecting a position of a fan speed switch such that the microprocessor detects the speed of the fan and adjusts the rate of counting by the counter based on the detected speed of the fan.

Abstract: An adjustable duct assembly for the collection of fumes, dust and the like comprises two duct sections connected end to end by a duct support system comprising two elongate arms pivotally connected, the arms attached to the adjacent ends of the ducts, externally. A counterbalance arm extends from the duct support of a lower or outer duct section beyond the pivot point of the elongate arms, to counterbalance the lower or outer arms. A filter arrangement may be associated with the duct assembly, consisting of a generally planar filter element within a housing. A travelling nozzle arrangement directs a stream of air in a direction countervailing the normal flow through the filter, for backwash cleaning of the filter. First and second drives propel the nozzle simultaneously across and along the filter, to provide full backwash cleaning coverage of the filter.

Abstract: A method of maintaining cleanliness of substrates including a first step for accommodating at least a piece of substrate having a gaseous impurity-trapping filter arranged close thereto in a hermetically sealed box, and a second step for circulating the atmosphere in the box at a rate of two or more times a minute so that impurities in the atmosphere are adsorbed by the gaseous impurity-trapping filter. A box for accommodating substrates includes a housing in which space for accommodating the substrates is hermetically closed with a lid, a gaseous impurity-trapping filter arranged in the housing and adapted to adsorb impurities contained in the atmosphere in space, and an atmosphere-circulating device having a ratio of the circulating capacity to the space volume of not smaller than 2 in order to circulate the atmosphere so as to pass it through the gaseous impurity-trapping filter.

Abstract: An inline, high-shear mixer is provided in a cracked gas stream upstream of a caustic tower in an ethylene production unit. Spent caustic is withdrawn from the bottom of the caustic tower and pumped to the mixer, where the spent caustic mixes with and absorbs acid gas components from the cracked gas stream. The spent caustic is separated from the cracked gas, forming a partially treated cracked gas stream. The partially treated cracked gas stream is then fed to the caustic tower. Polymer deposition in the caustic tower is reduced because polymeric material is formed when the cracked gas stream is mixed with the spent caustic and is removed before the cracked gas stream is fed to the caustic tower.

Abstract: A process solution supplying apparatus including a solution source from which a process solution is supplied, a supply pipe having an upstream end and a downstream end and connected at the upstream end to the solution source, a nozzle connected to the downstream end of the supply pipe, a pump provided on the supply pipe, for supplying the process solution from the solution source to the nozzle, an upstream control valve provided on the supply pipe and located between the pump and the solution source, and a deaerating mechanism provided between the pump and the upstream control valve, for removing gases from the process solution.

Abstract: Electronic equipment having a temperature control air flow passage. A length of filter material has a length portion extending across the upstream end of the flow passage, the filter material being movable longitudinally to replace the clogged length portion with unused filter material. A filter advancement device is operable by a control device actuated when an undesirably low fluid flow rate is achieved through the length portion so as to effect filter replacement. Roller devices give up unused filter material and take up used material. A stepper motor may be used to advance filter material for replacement purposes. The control device is preferably operated upon drop in rotational speed of a fan located immediately downstream of the filter length portion, the speed drop being caused by drag as the filter becomes clogged. Alternatively, the control device comprises a switch which is operated as the filter length portion flexes it becomes clogged, or temperature sensors located at chosen sites.

Abstract: Device and method for the regeneration of a drying agent in compressed air system. The wetting degree of the drying agent is estimated and recorded by a control unit. The control unit ensures that the drying agent is dehumidified as soon as the wetting degree has reached a certain wetting degree. This certain wetting degree may be set to different levels for different operational condition.

Abstract: A portable air purifier including a housing defining an air inlet, an air outlet and an air flow passage extending therebetween; a filter mechanism disposed to filter air circulating through the flow passage; and a fan retained by the housing and activatable to draw air through the air inlet, move air through the flow passage and filter mechanism, and discharge air through the air outlet. An electrically powered drive mechanism is energizable to activate the fan and a control system including a processor monitors and records elapsed time data during periods in which the fan is activated to move air.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus for substantially reducing gas levels in a fluid is provided. The apparatus comprises: (a) an upper portion comprising a reusable vacuum chamber with a resealable opening thereto; the vacuum chamber being capable of containing a suitable vessel holding a sample of the fluid; and (b) an enclosed lower portion comprising: (1) a magnetic stirrer positioned below the vacuum chamber; (2) mechanism for applying a vacuum in the vacuum chamber; (3) a microprocessor for controlling timing sequences for the magnetic stirrer and the vacuum means; and (4) one or more control switches or dials accessible to the user for selecting the timing sequences. A method for substantially reducing carbon dioxide levels in a pre-measured sample of a carbonated beverage is also provided.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for alerting an operator to the need to change a temperature control system filter includes a mechanism for selecting and setting a primary period of filter use to assure replacement before the filter becomes clogged; a mechanism for counting out the selected primary period; a mechanism for activating a signalling device to signal the operator to replace the filter, absent replacement of the filter; a mechanism for sensing replacement of the filter; a mechanism for resetting the mechanism for counting to begin the counting out the selected primary period again upon replacement of the filter; a mechanism for counting out a secondary period measured from the end of the primary period; a mechanism for shutting down the system at the end of the secondary period absent replacement of the filter; and a mechanism for detecting a fire within the building. The apparatus preferably additionally includes a mechanism for shutting down the temperature control system upon detection of a fire.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for introducing a liquid substance into air flowing into an environment includes a main container for containing a reservoir of the liquid substance, and exhaust fan for withdrawing air from within said container to thereby create a negative air pressure condition therein, an air intake port having an upper open end exterior of the container and a lower open end within the container and in close adjacent relationship to a top surface of the reservoir of liquid, and a resupply container connected to the main container and including a pump to resupply liquid to the main container. Operation of the exhaust fan creates an air flow through the air intake port, causing the stream of air exiting the lower open end to impinge upon and agitate the top surface of the liquid, resulting in evaporation of the liquid into the air in the container.

Abstract: A device for unblocking filters by means of bursts of gas. The gas is kept in a tank (7) and supplied to filter-unclogging lances by lines (8). Each line (8) accommodates several valves (11 & 12) parallel with respect to their intakes and outlets. Controls (14) time all the valves to open simultaneously but for different lengths of time. The flow of gas supplied to the simple or compound filter is accordingly divided into subsidiary streams, one or more of which is discontinued before the other or others.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for alerting an operator to the need to change a temperature control system filter includes a mechanism for selecting and setting a primary period of filter use to assure replacement before the filter becomes clogged; a mechanism for counting out the selected primary period; a mechanism for activating a signalling device to signal the operator to replace the filter, absent replacement of the filter; a mechanism for sensing replacement of the filter; and a mechanism for resetting the mechanism for counting to begin the counting out the selected primary period again upon replacement of the filter. The apparatus preferably additionally includes a mechanism for counting out a secondary period measured from the end of the primary period; and a mechanism for shutting down the system at the end of the secondary period absent replacement of the filter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for cleaning filter elements, such as filter bags in a plurality of baghouses and for predicting the useful life of such filter elements in individual baghouses. The volumetric flow rate of air from each baghouse is continually calculated using actual impact and static pressure measurements and compared with a flow rate set point. The set point is continually adjusted for density correction based on the actual air stream temperature. The bags are pulsed for cleaning when the flow rate is less than the adjusted set point. Pulsing is then halted when the flow rate reaches or exceeds the adjusted set point. Total daily cleaning times are accumulated over time and graphically displayed to indicate when a critical level is reached indicating that filter bag change out is needed. Each baghouse is monitored in this manner to reflect the unique operating conditions of each baghouse.

Abstract: A filtration installation including a time delay device which, at the time of a filter sleeve cleaning operation, establishes a cycle to exhaust filtered air towards the outside atmosphere instead of recycling it. The installation also includes a device for bypassing the filtered air that includes two shutters. One of the shutters controls a recycling of the filtered air and the other shutter controls the exhaustion of the filtered air to the outside atmosphere.

Abstract: In the filtering of high temperature (e.g. greater than 400.degree. C.) and high pressure (e.g. greater than 5 bar) gas--such as produced by pressurized fluidized bed combustion or gasification of coal--there is often a buildup of particles on the supporting elements for the filters, and on surrounding structures. This buildup of particles can damage the filter elements, or greatly reduce their effectiveness. This problem is avoided by periodically automatically cleaning the supporting and/or surrounding surfaces of the filters, as by directing high pressure gas streams at the supporting and/or surrounding surfaces. The filters may also be backflushed with compressed gas, as is conventional, at the same time as, or at different times than, when the supporting and/or surrounding structures are cleaned. Conduits with nozzles may be mounted directly on the supporting and/or surrounding surfaces and connected by a pipe with an automatically controlled valve to a source of high pressure fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying oxygen to passengers on board an aircraft in the form of a portable machine including a housing having a shape and size allowing it to be positioned under a seat on the aircraft, an air separation device in the housing for separating oxygen from the air inside the aircraft, a self-contained compressed air supply in the housing including a compressor operatively connected to the air separation device and a brushless d-c motor for driving the compressor, and a circuit for connecting the d-c motor to the aircraft electrical power source including converting the a-c voltage and current on board the aircraft to d-c voltage and current for operating the motor. The brushless motor insures compliance with airline requirements that the machine generates a low level of electrical interference. The machine includes an intake resonator and a muffler associated therewith for reducing the level of noise generated to a value acceptable for airline use.

Abstract: A compressed air system includes an air drying subsystem which can be configured either in an intermittent mode, in which a separate purge volume intermittently purges the desiccant used by the air drying systems when the compressor goes off load, or in a continuous flow mode, in which the purge volume is replaced by a second desiccant cartridge and the two desiccant cartridges are alternatively purged and used to dry the compressed air.

Abstract: A system (method and apparatus) for optimizing the relationship between resolution and time in chromatograms, especially chromatograms obtained by supercritical fluids (CSF) chromatography. The pressure or temperature or fluid density of the solution caring the material under analysis is varied dynamically under computer control to provide an optimum capacity factor for a particular transporting fluid in a particular chromatographic system to obtain the resolution of interest in the shortest period of time.