Abstract: An arrangement for treating room air has a first air quality sensor in an external air conduit of an air conditioning device. An ionization apparatus, an ozone sensor, an air humidity sensor, an airflow sensor, and at least one air temperature adjusting device are arranged in the supply conduit between air conditioning device and room. Chamber or hood devices forming a component of the room are coupled to the supply conduit. A side of the chamber or hood devices has openings ensuring convection of the supply air into the room. A recirculating air conduit branches off an exhaust conduit to the air-conditioning device. A second air quality sensor is arranged in the recirculating air conduit. A control device is connected to first air quality sensor, ozone sensor, air humidity sensor, airflow sensor, second air quality sensor, and the air temperature adjusting device.

Abstract: Particle collection, transport, and detection systems are disclosed. The systems are uniquely adapted for collecting or concentrating particles from a flowing medium and then transporting the collected particles to a desired location or for subsequent analysis. Electrostatic traveling wave grids can be used in conjunction with sample concentrators.

Abstract: A saturation level of moisture and/or other contaminants is determined in a desiccant material by determining an electrical parameter across the desiccant material. An air dryer includes a housing, a desiccant in the housing, and an electrical contact in the desiccant. A level of at least one of moisture and other contaminants is determined as a function of an electrical parameter between two electrical contacts of dissimilar materials that electrically contact the desiccant. Alternatively, the level of at least one of moisture and other contaminants is determined as a function of an amount of the reflected light received by the optical sensor from the desiccant.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air pollution sensor system (1) incorporated in an enclosure (E), said enclosure comprising an air handling system inside an air duct (2), said air duct enabling a communication between air inside said enclosure and air outside said enclosure. The air duct comprises an air inlet for receiving air and an air outlet for releasing handled air inside said enclosure. The air pollution sensor system comprises at least one soot particle sensor (21) capable of sensing soot particles with a diameter in a range of approximately 5-500 nm inside said enclosure and providing a pollution information signal (P) in response to the sensing of said soot particles. The invention further relates to various types of soot particle sensors and air handling systems.

Abstract: An air cleaner including a constant current power supply is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The air cleaner includes a collector cell and a constant current power supply coupled to the collector cell. The constant current power supply is configured to maintain a substantially constant electrical current output to the collector cell, compare an output voltage of the constant current power supply to an upper voltage threshold VU and to a lower voltage threshold VL, and shut down the constant current power supply if the output voltage is not between the upper voltage threshold VU and the lower voltage threshold VL.

Abstract: An intense field dielectric air filtration system associated with an air conditioning unit includes a microprocessor based control system which may be connected to the thermostat of the air conditioning unit to energize the air filtration system in response to a call for heat or cooling signal at the thermostat or startup of the fan motor for the air conditioning unit. The control system includes a power supply for the air filtration system together with voltage and current monitoring circuits for detecting a fault condition. Filtration system on/off and timing function reset switches are connected to the microprocessor and visual displays, including a multicolored LED bargraph display, are controlled by the microprocessor to indicate voltage potential applied to the air filtration system, a fault condition or a test mode.

Abstract: An air filtering apparatus for electrolyzing water in an electrolytic bath by applying a voltage between electrodes in the electrolytic bath, supplying the generated electrolytic water to a gas-liquid contact member and blowing air to the gas-liquid contact member to filter the air, including a scale removing unit for inverting the polarities of the electrodes to remove scale deposited on the electrodes, and a judging unit for judging on the basis of a current value flowing between the electrodes whether the scale is removed from the surface of the electrode.

Abstract: An air filtration system includable in and for HVAC equipment includes one or more intense field dielectric filter units and a field charging unit retained in a support structure or cabinet by a removable door which includes control circuitry and contactors engageable with corresponding contact members on a filter unit and the field charging unit for supplying high voltage DC potential to the respective units. Each filter unit includes a filter core comprising a stacked array of filter elements formed of dielectric sheets interconnected by elongated spaced apart ribs forming flow passages. The field charging unit and the filter units are removable from the support or cabinet for cleaning or replacement by opening or removing the door. An interlock switch and a field shorting mechanism are actuated during servicing or replacement of the system components.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical electrostatic air cleaner that combines a low air resistance dielectric fibrous filter material positioned between and electrically charged by two electrically resistant carbon coated screens. The screens are charged by a remotely mounted bi-polar power supply. A pair of post ionization electrodes charge particles in the air with opposite charges, causing the particles to agglomerate. A plurality of screens may be placed in an array for increased one-pass filtration.

Abstract: A real-time monitoring system that monitors various aspects of the operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor that measures power provided to the refrigerant-cycle system and that gathers data from one or more sensors and uses the sensor data to calculate a figure of merit related to the efficiency of the system. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of the following sensors: a suction line temperature sensor, a suction line pressure sensor, a suction line flow sensor, a hot gas line temperature sensor, a hot gas line pressure sensor, a hot gas line flow sensor, a liquid line temperature sensor, a liquid line pressure sensor, a liquid line flow sensor. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of an evaporator air temperature input sensor, an evaporator air temperature output sensor, an evaporator air flow sensor, an evaporator air humidity sensor, and a differential pressure sensor.

Abstract: Particle collection, transport, and detection systems are disclosed. The systems are uniquely adapted for collecting or concentrating particles from a flowing medium and then transporting the collected particles to a desired location or for subsequent analysis. Electrostatic traveling wave grids can be used in conjunction with sample concentrators.

Abstract: An apparatus analyzes components of particulate materials suspended in air. The apparatus includes a container into which the air is introduced, a discharging electrode arranged in the container to electrically charge the particulate materials contained in the air, a dust collecting electrode arranged in the container to collect charged particulate materials utilizing electric potential difference, and a device for separating volatile components contained in the particulate materials collected on the dust collecting electrode. A gas analyzer is connected to the container into which the volatile components of the particulate materials separated in the container are introduced, to analyze the volatile components.

Abstract: An apparatus for air filtration has a pleated filter media with an expandable mesh bonded to the pleated filter media, an outer frame, an inner frame, support members disposed within the outer and inner frame wherein the support members create openings in the inner frame and outer frame, and wherein the inner frame slides within the outer frame, and wherein the pleated filter media is disposed within the outer and inner frame and is attached to the outer first side and the inner first side and can grow and expand with the apparatus as the length is adjusted.

Abstract: An example airborne conductive contaminant handling system is described. The airborne conductive contaminant handling system may include a handling circuit that is configured to selectively pass an electric current through a conductive contaminant. The airborne conductive contaminant handling system may also include an attracting circuit that is configured to attract an airborne conductive contaminant towards the handling circuit, where it can be subjected to the electric current.

Abstract: An end of service life indicator (ESLI) device for a fluid filter is included on the filter and visually indicates when the life of the filter has expired. The ESLI indicates the depletion of the filter by changing the color density on a surface of the device to a color density having a well distinguishable contrasting pattern that is easily recognizable even by individuals who are color-blind. The contrasting pattern may express text indicative of the state of the filter.

Abstract: An air purifier device includes a fan unit in an electrically conductive housing for drawing ambient air into the housing via an air inlet, and an electrically conductive dust-collecting member in the housing and disposed adjacent to an air outlet. A detecting unit is operable so as to provide a control signal in response to at least one of a change in electrical characteristics of the housing due to body contact therewith, and a change in electrical characteristics of the dust-collecting member due to excessive accumulation of dust thereon. A power control unit is operable to supply electric power to a negative ion generating unit such that a drive voltage is applied to an ionizing member of the negative ion generating unit, and is responsive to the control signal from the detecting unit to interrupt supply of the electric power to the negative ion generating unit.

Abstract: A collecting device for collecting particles floating in the atmosphere includes a collecting container; a pump for sucking the atmosphere into the collecting container; a discharge electrode disposed in the collecting container for generating single polarity ions to charge the particles in the collecting container; and a dust-collecting electrode for collecting the charged particles in the collecting container through a potential difference between the discharge electrode and the dust-collecting electrode. The dust on the dust-collecting electrode is measured and analyzed.

Abstract: A collecting device for collecting suspended particles includes a mobility analysis device; a collecting container connected to an outlet of the mobility analysis device; a discharge electrode disposed inside the collecting container for charging the particles inside the collecting container by generating single polar ions; and a collecting electrode for collecting the charged particles inside the collecting container by an electric potential difference relative to the discharge electrode. In the mobility analysis device, the particles are charged and guided into a flow path. An electric field is created in the flow path, and the particles are guided into the path perpendicular to the electric field. Since a mobility of a particle in an electric field depends on a size of the particle, the particles guided in the path are separated according to the electric field, thereby obtaining particles with sizes in a specific range.

Abstract: A filter apparatus includes a filter panel having inner and outer surfaces and a configuration for completely covering a computer housing ventilation opening. The filter apparatus includes an adhesive layer permanently adhered to the inner surface of the filter panel. A thermochromic region is positioned on the outer surface of the filter panel which changes color as temperature increases. The thermochromic region includes an ink layer and a wax layer positioned atop the ink layer. The wax layer includes a thermochromic dye having a color different from the color of the ink layer. The color of the thermochromic dye blocks the color of the ink layer at an ambient temperature and is transparent to allow the ink layer color to be seen at an activation temperature. Therefore, the filter apparatus provides an indication when the filter is full and heat is building within the housing as a result.

Abstract: A portable liquid collection electrostatic collection precipitator for analyzing air is provided which is a relatively small, self-contained device. The device has a tubular collection electrode, a reservoir for a liquid, and a pump. The pump pumps the liquid into the collection electrode such that the liquid flows down the exterior of the collection electrode and is recirculated to the reservoir. An air intake is provided such that air to be analyzed flows through an ionization section to ionize analytes in the air, and then flows near the collection electrode where ionized analytes are collected. A portable power source is connected to the air intake and the collection electrode. Ionizable constituents in the air are ionized, attracted to the collection electrode, and precipitated in the liquid. The precipitator may also have an analyzer for the liquid and may have a transceiver allowing remote operation and data collection.

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 modular two-stage electrostatic precipitator for extracting airborne particles includes individual ionizer/collector cell modules having integrated power supplies and diagnostic systems. The cell modules are adapted to be joined blindly to one another in end-to-end nested relation through nestable end plates and in a series circuit utilizing floating electrical connectors. The module end plates provide self-correction in misalignment during a blind connection and provide sealed end plate cavities for the power supply and electrical connections. The diagnostic system provides detection for any open system circuit and/or short circuit condition and allows for trouble shooting on an individual cell module basis.

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: Disclosed is a portable air filtration system for removing contaminants from room air. In one embodiment, the air filtration system comprises a power supply and an air blower module electrically connected to the power supply. The air filtration system further comprises an ionization module engaged with the air blower module and comprising a first control grid and a high voltage grid electrically connected to the power supply. The air filtration system further comprises a filter module removably engaged with the ionization module. The filter module comprises a filter and a second control grid. Engagement of the filter module and the ionization module creates an electrical connection between the second control grid and the power supply. Activation of the air filtration system creates a first ionization field between the high voltage grid and the first control grid and a second ionization field between the high voltage grid and the second control grid.

Abstract: A DC/AC air cleaner for a vehicle includes a chassis having a bottom plate and two side plates formed on two sides of the bottom plate, respectively. An insertion slot is defined in the bottom plate, and two inner plates are mounted between the side plates and configured to define a clamping slot, a positioning slot, and an engaging slot. A lower end of a face plate is held by the insertion slot. A lower end of an activated filtering mesh is held by the clamping slot. A lower end of a static discharger is held by the positioning slot, and the lower end of a fan is held by the engaging slot. An upper cover is provided to retain the upper end of the face plate, upper end of the activated filtering mesh, upper end of the static discharger, and upper end of the fan.

Abstract: A solid powder trapping system for filtering out solid powder from a mixture of gaseous reactants that also includes a device capable of determining the degree of powder accumulation inside the trap. The powder trapping system uses a powder trap to catch the solid powder within the gaseous mixture. A magnetic flux sensor is also installed inside the trap for measuring a magnetic flux whose strength depends on the amount of solid powder inside the trap. The magnetic flux sensor is connected to a display device so that reading from the display device reflects the amount of solid powder accumulated inside the powder trap.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner includes a self-contained ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone. The conditioner may be sized to condition air in a closet, or may include an illumination source and be sized to be attached to an AC wall outlet to provide a night light function as well as a conditioning function. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises one or more pin-like electrodes and the second array comprises one or more washer-like electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a change indicator for a filter for use in a gaseous circulation system, such as a forced air heating and cooling system. The change indicator includes an air impervious patch that is secured to the filter. The portion of the filter media adjacent to the change indicator changes appearance in response to the accumulation of contaminants at a much slower rate than the remainder of the air filter. The accumulation of contaminants progresses inwardly from the region adjacent the periphery of the change indicator towards the region adjacent to the center. Once the appearance of the filter media beneath the change indicator fully changes from periphery to the center, that is an indication that the air filter is in need of cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: A device and a process for indicating the exhaustion of an adsorption filter to indicate a necessary filter change in time is provided. The monitoring device has a gas concentration-measuring device (8), a temperature-measuring device (9) for determining the temperature of the ambient air, a memory unit (3) with a first memory field (4), in which filter data sets associated with individual filters are stored, with a second memory field (5), in which data specific of toxic substances are stored, and with a third memory field (6), which contains preset values for the ambient air humidity and the respiratory minute volume, as well as an input unit (7) for selecting preset values from the memory fields (4, 5, 6). A timer (10) with a start button (13), which provides an output of the service life t of the adsorption filter is also provided.

Abstract: An oxygen generating system includes an oxygen generator having an oxygen ion conducting honeycomb structure and a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the oxygen generator. The system also includes a heater thermally coupled to the oxygen generator and a control module coupled to the oxygen generator and the heater. The control module monitors one or more of the system parameters and dynamically controls the oxygen generating system in response to the one or more system parameters such as, for example, varying the speed of a draft fan in the outlet waste air stream. A method of operating an oxygen generating system includes initializing the oxygen generating system in response to an operation status request and generating oxygen in an oxygen ion conducting honeycomb structure in response to a desired oxygen flow rate input.

Abstract: An air pollution control system using a novel control system is disclosed. The control system is particularly useful with a gas conditioning tower ("GCT") which uses a spray from a two-fluid nozzle to cool hot process gases prior to flowing to an electrostatic precipitator. A first control loop, employing, for example, a temperature feedback control system, is used during normal operation of the system, and an override control loop is used to protect the electrostatic precipitator from overheated gases which may be diverted in the case of a plant upset. The override control loop adjusts the spray based on a calculation of the spray characteristics needed to meet the new GCT conditioning requirements. In another aspect the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for optmizing the spray from a two-fluid nozzle used in a GCT. In particular, the spray droplets are made larger when possible, thereby reducing the energy usage of the system.

Abstract: An air cleaning system having a forced negative pressure generating function is provided for defining a space in a room for utilizing the space as a smoking area or the like in which contaminated air such as smoke is prevented from flowing out of the space and is cleaned. The air cleaning system having a forced negative pressure generating function has an air curtain producing unit having a blow-out port for producing air curtains to surround a predetermined space, an air sucking unit having a suction port open to the predetermined space defined by the air curtains for sucking air in the predetermined space, an air exhausting unit having an exhaust port open to the outside of the predetermined space for exhausting air sucked by the air sucking means to the outside of the predetermined space, an air cleaner unit interposed between the exhaust port and the suction port, and an air cleaner body supported by a plurality of stems for accommodating the components.

Abstract: An existing exhaust hood having a single coarse particulate filter for filtering contamination laden air is replaced by a filtration module preferably having two filters and optionally a third filter. The two preferred filters are a grease baffle filter and an electrostatic air cleaner (EAC). Optionally, a charcoal filter would be a third filter in a series of three filters for removing odors from exhausted air. The preexisting exhaust fan of the hood would be maintained in use and the preexisting duct work to the exterior of a building would also be maintained for exhausting the now filtered air to the exterior of the building. The filtration module would lower the amount of volatile organic compounds to an acceptable level so as to prevent pollution of the exterior environment of a building.

Abstract: An aromatic air circulation and filtration system including a plurality of scented air filters adapted to be inserted within an existing air duct system. Also, included is an electrostatic air filter that has a layer of a air pervious material with a pair of thin conductive mesh grids each coupled on an opposite side. A turbine is coupled to the electrostatic filter for supplying power. Whereby when powered, the electrostatic filter acts to attract and contain particles. Finally, a control system is included for conveniently operating the system.

Abstract: The electrostatic air cleaning system is mounted in a duct of a residential or commercial heating and cooling system to remove particles from the circulating air. The electrostatic air cleaning system includes an air flow sensor which turns the air cleaner off in response to the lack of air flow through the air duct. An air flow sensor circuit connected to the electrostatic air cleaner includes a thermistor which detects the lack of air flow in the duct and provides a signal in response to lack of airflow. The signal from the sensor causes the power supply to the electrostatic air cleaner to be disconnected when there is insufficient air flow through the air duct. The air flow sensor circuit is configured so that power will continue to be supplied to the electrostatic air cleaner from the power supply when the sensor is disabled for a variety of reasons.

Abstract: An electrostatic air cleaner has at least one hole in one of the plates over which air with charged dirt particles is passed. A light source is mounted adjacent to the hole so as to direct its light through the hole. A light sensor detects the level of light passing through the hole. As dirt particles deposit on the plate, they fill in the hole over a period of time, reducing the amount of light passing through the hole. It is possible by measuring the amount of light passing through the hole, to determine the amount of dirt deposited on the plate. In a preferred embodiment, each of the plates contain a hole in alignment with each of the other plates' holes so that light from a single light source can pass through each of the holes. Such a configuration allows both the light source and the light sensor to be located outside of the entire group of plates.

Abstract: A self contained air movement system for air purification and infection control includes an elongated upright enclosed housing including a base module, sidewalls, and an upper module. A fan intermediate the base module and the upper module draws unclean air from a room containing the system through the base module, then discharges a purified air stream from the upper module. The base module includes a downward facing air intake opening spaced from the floor. A pair of pre-filters are disposed on the base module in stacked relationship for trapping relatively large particulate matter from the entering air stream. The upper module includes a discharge grille opening to the environment with angled louvers for guiding and re-directing the purified air stream from a downstream HEPA-type filter into an inclined stream, flowing proximate to and along the ceiling of the room in which the system is located.

Abstract: In an air purifier apparatus, an electrostatic filter is detachably and operatively connectable to an electrical contact which in turn is connected to a terminal of a power supply. The electrostatic filter is also detachably and operatively connectable to a second electrical contact which is connected to an alarm device. When the electrostatic filter is properly mounted within the air purifier apparatus, the two electrical contacts are short-circuited, thus electrically connecting the power supply to the alarm device through the electrostatic filter. The alarm device provides an indication that the electrostatic filter is properly mounted within the air purifier apparatus when energized by the power supply.

Abstract: An improved electrostatic precipitator system is provided for use in high-grease atmospheres in which the grease is electrically conductive. The precipitator includes high-voltage insulators that are both located in areas unlikely to accumulate electrically-conductive grease and that, in themselves, can operate in a high-voltage system without tracking, even when a certain amount of conductive grease has accumulated on the insulators' surfaces. In a multi-cell precipitator system, a high-voltage insulator is provided as part of a cell-to-cell assembly that receives high-voltage electricity on one side of its insulator, and conducts that electricity to its opposite side, and is placed in a specially-shaped cut-out in the bulkhead between the cell chambers, in which the cut-out is shaped so as to minimize the amount of grease that may accumulate upon the cell-to-cell assembly's insulators.

Abstract: A small, battery-powered air purifier can be clipped to a wearer's front shirt pocket or worn suspended from a cord about the wearer's neck. The device includes a housing containing a compact circuit that transforms direct current provided by the battery into a negative high voltage pulsating current which is connected to a sharp metal point contained within a chamber inside the hollow housing. A corona discharge forms on the sharp point, ionizing air molecules and any particulates, and generating ozone. An opening into the chamber is covered by a noncorrosive metal grid connected to the positive terminal of the battery. The negative ions are attracted to this grid, thereby completing an electrical circuit. Movement of the ions to the grid results in mass movement of air which causes a stream of air to emerge through the grid. As the air passes the grid, negatively charged particulates are deposited on the grid.

Abstract: An electric circuit is disclosed which includes an electric fan for dispersing air, a power switch for energizing the electric fan, and a convenience outlet for supplying power through the electric circuit to an external power consuming apparatus. The convenience outlet is operable separately and independently of the electric fan. In one embodiment for use in a humidifier the electric circuit further includes a refill light, a refill light switch, and a power light. In another embodiment for use in an air purifier the circuit further includes a filter sensor, a filter replacement indicator light, an ionizer for emitting ions, a negative ion switch, an ion indicator light and a power indicator light.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for the treatment of boiler flue gas with sulfur trioxide conditioning agent include the beneficial use of catalytic converters that can be located immediately adjacent the injection site for their sulfur trioxide output, that can be individually sized and manufactured for variable required conditioning agent outputs, that can be individually controlled and can provide substantially improved conversion efficiency and that can provide an efficient, flexible, effective and relatively inexpensive multi-boiler flue conditioning system.

Abstract: An air purifier is provided having a purifier housing and an air way housing mounted therein. A fan having a cylindrical whirlpool leaf construction is mounted within the air way housing and air is directed in a predetermined direction through an air exit opening formed in a wall of the purifier housing. An extended and tapered discharging copper needle is electrically coupled to a high voltage generator contained within the purifier housing and produces negative ions. The discharging needle is pointed in contour and has an apex end located adjacent the air exit opening. The discharging needle extends in the direction of the passage of high pressure air from the purifier housing which allows the discharging needle to vibrate responsive to the high pressure air flow and increases the amount of negative ions mixed with the air passing from the purifier housing.