With Control Means Responsive To Sensed Condition For Control Of Gas Flow Or Nongaseous Constituent Discharge Patents (Class 96/397)
  • Patent number: 7789951
    Abstract: A method and system for purifying air while moving. The system for purifying air includes an air purification unit inhaling and purifying the air, a moving unit moving the system, and an object sensing unit sensing a wall existing at a side of the system in a direction in which the moving unit moves, wherein the moving unit moves while keeping a distance within a predetermined range from the wall sensed by the object sensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-hun Sung, Soon-joo Kwon, Jay-woo Kim
  • Publication number: 20100199839
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating a particulate matter retaining system, comprising at least a first and a second filter, coupled to an engine intake. One example method comprises, during a first condition, operating in a first mode with the first filter storing particulate matter and the second filter releasing stored particulate matter, with exhaust gas flowing in a first direction through the filters. The method further comprises, operating in a second mode with the first filter releasing stored particulate matter and the second filter storing particulate matter, the exhaust gas flowing in a second, opposite, direction through the filters. The method further comprises, during a second condition, operating in a third mode with both the first and the second filter storing particulate matter. During all modes, at least some tailpipe gas is drawn from between the first and second filter for expulsion to the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaogang Zhang, Paul Joseph Tennison
  • Patent number: 7727315
    Abstract: A condensed water discharging apparatus for a fuel cell system is disclosed. The condensed water discharging apparatus includes: a drain tank installed around a hydrogen discharging line comprising an inlet portion, an outlet portion formed on both distal ends of the drain tank, and a intermediate portion having at least a drain hole installed wherein the intermediate portion is disposed inside the drain tank so that condensed water is separated from hydrogen flowing in through the intermediate portion by gravity and is drained downwardly; and a drain pump connected to the drain tank to discharge condensed water drained through the drain holes of the intermediate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Youngjin Son, Youngbum Kum, Sungho Lee
  • Publication number: 20100119409
    Abstract: The invention relates to biological home defense systems for use by populations at risk of widespread biological attack via biological weapons of mass destruction, especially biological weapons involving aerosol attacks. The present invention is also related to methods for using such biological home defense systems wherein meteorological data is used to issue advisories with regard to the use of such biological home defense systems to a population at risk of exposure to biological weapons of mass destruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: CIVILIAN BIODEFENSE GROUP
    Inventor: Stanley Wiener
  • Patent number: 7713330
    Abstract: A tower ionizer air cleaner is provided. The tower ionizer air cleaner includes a tower chassis, with a base of the tower chassis including a small footprint, one or more airflow inlet openings in the tower chassis, one or more airflow outlet openings in the tower chassis and substantially opposite to the one or more airflow inlet openings, and an ionizer element positioned within the tower chassis. The tower ionizer air cleaner further includes one or more fan units substantially vertically located within the tower ionizer air cleaner and affixed to the tower chassis. The one or more fan units are configured to provide an airflow between the one or more airflow inlet openings and the one or more airflow outlet openings and through the ionizer element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: John R. Bohlen, Thomas A. Oreck, Bruce Kiern, Christopher M. Paterson, Charles W. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20100101409
    Abstract: A particulate filter control system and method for controlling the same is disclosed. The particulate filter load monitoring system may transmit radio frequency signals through the resonant cavity and filter medium across a frequency range sufficient to generate more than one resonant mode. The system may contain additional sensors for monitoring additional exhaust characteristics and parameters. Further, a control unit may be configured to determine the amount of material accumulated in the particulate filter, detect failures and malfunctions of the exhaust after-treatment system and its associated components, and initiate an action based on the amount of material accumulated in the particulate filter, the determination of a system failure or malfunction, or input from one or more exhaust sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Leslie Bromberg, Alexander Sappok, Peter Koert
  • Patent number: 7678165
    Abstract: A particle separator which broadly includes: an inner wall, an outer wall and a splitter, wherein the inner and outer walls define an air intake passageway, and wherein the splitter is positioned between the inner and outer walls so as to define a scavenge air flow passageway connected to the intake passageway and a main air flow passageway connected to the intake passageway; the inner wall having a humped-shaped portion between the intake passageway and the main air flow passageway; the humped-shaped portion having a peak and a radius of curvature at any point on the hump-shaped portion of the inner wall after the peak corresponding to a degree of curvature of from about 30 to about 60 degrees; and a boundary layer control mechanism for providing active boundary layer control along the inner wall after the peak and within the main air flow passageway. Also provided is a method for providing active boundary layer flow control along the inner wall after the peak and within the main air flow passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Walter Jackson Tingle, Wayne R. Oliver, Kevin Kirtley
  • Publication number: 20100061885
    Abstract: An instrument for determining ozone concentration in a gaseous fluid includes a chamber, at least one filter adapted to remove particulates from gaseous fluid entering the chamber, and at least one filter adapted to remove ozone from gaseous fluid entering the chamber. At least one element is arranged to draw gaseous fluid into the chamber. An ultra-violet source located at one end of the chamber and configured to generate a substantially collimated beam of radiation having a wave length in the range 240 to 290 nm, and an ultra-violet sensor is arranged at the other end of the chamber and configured to receive the ultra-violet light emitted by the said ultra-violet source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Phillip E. Harley
  • Patent number: 7655073
    Abstract: An inertial gas-liquid separator has a variable flow actuator movable to open and close a variable number of accelerating flow nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP Inc.
    Inventors: Karl G. Evenstad, Eric J. Rego, Brian W. Schwandt
  • Publication number: 20100018391
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating a medium, the apparatus including structure for generating a flow of a working fluid in a flow path, treatment structure for subjecting the medium to treatment and a delivery device for delivering the medium to the treatment structure, the treatment structure and the delivery device being operable in response to the flow of working fluid. A refuge chamber and method utilize such apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Geoffrey Allan Whittaker, Gerald John Ness
  • Publication number: 20090314161
    Abstract: Systems and methods for separating contaminants in a contaminated airstream are described. In one embodiment, a contaminated airstream is received and a vortex is created that separates the contaminated airstream into a clean airstream used in the system and contaminants (e.g., debris and particles).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thamir R. Al-Alusi, Anthony D. Drury, Eric R. Blume, Wayne F. Ledzian
  • Patent number: 7632459
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of an ultraviolet air treatment device including an ultraviolet lamp positioned to treat air within an air handling system that operates in either an on state or an off state. The method includes activating the ultraviolet lamp, and determining the operational state of the air handling system. The ultraviolet lamp is deactivated upon expiration of a predetermined time period during which the air handling system remains in the off state. The predetermined time period is preferably 30-60 minutes, preferably 40 minutes for residential applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy L. Lentz, Timothy J. Kensok, Jeffrey M. Hammer, Mark E. Stout, Richard N. Metzger, Jon W. Orr
  • Publication number: 20090183636
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to devices useful in insuring the proper installation of a high efficiency particulate air (“HEPA”) filter into a room air purifier. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a magnetic interlock device is provided wherein the filter must be properly installed within the air purifier to enable closure of an electrical switch (74) within the air purifier, thereby completing an electrical circuit and permitting the air purifier motor and fan (20) to operate or to provide an audible or visual signal provided by electrically acuated means indicating incorrect placement of the filter within the device. In a second aspect of the invention, the air purifier is designed to create an audible signal to alert a user if the air purifier is operated without an air filter or if the air filter is improperly installed in the air purifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Lawrence T. Levine, Jay Packman
  • Publication number: 20090162255
    Abstract: An air purification system including a Particle Phase Pollutant (PPP) treatment section (9) having an air inlet (14) and an air outlet (15), a particle removal filter, (11) and a blower (12) to draw air from the air inlet (14) of the PPP treatment section (9) to pass through the particle removal filter (11) and exit through the air outlet (15) of the PPP treatment section (9). The system also includes a Gas Phase Pollutant (GPP) treatment section (10) installed at a downstream position of the particle removal filter (11) of the PPP treatment section (9), the GPP treatment section (10) having an air inlet (19) and an air outlet (20), a gas removal filter (16) with high filter air flow resistance, and a blower (17) located at a downstream position of the gas removal filter (16) to draw air from the air inlet (19) of the GPP treatment section (10) to pass through the gas removal filter (16) and exit through the air outlet (20) of the GPP treatment section (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Yiu Wai Chan, Sui Chun Law
  • Patent number: 7550075
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid are disclosed. The fluid is introduced into a decontamination chamber such that the fluid is cooled and contaminants fall out within the decontamination chamber, producing a purified fluid. The purified fluid is then retrieved and can be used in a supercritical processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Ltd.
    Inventors: Ronald Thomas Bertram, Douglas Michael Scott
  • Publication number: 20090139398
    Abstract: An inertial inlet particle separator system for a vehicle engine includes an inertial inlet particle separator and an adjustment mechanism. The separator includes a fluid inlet coupled to a scavenge channel and to a clean channel such that a first amount of fluid passing through the fluid inlet enters the scavenge channel and a second amount of fluid passing through the fluid inlet enters the clean channel. The scavenge channel is defined by a first wall and a splitter, and the clean channel is defined by a second wall and the splitter. The splitter and the second wall are stationary with respect to each other. The adjustment mechanism is coupled to the inertial inlet particle separator and configured to adjust a size of the scavenge channel. Although not necessarily, the adjustment mechanism may also be coupled to the scavenge fan speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Yogendra Y. Sheoran, Z. Daniel Judd, Morris G. Anderson, Robert S. Murray
  • Publication number: 20090126563
    Abstract: An advanced methane and ammonia recovery system captures gaseous waste produced by domestic livestock to reduce the release of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere and to generate energy. The system includes a gas capture system residing at a peak of a barn. At large commercial operations, the captured gasses pass through a separator to separate methane from ammonia gas. The ammonia is processed to obtain a fertilizer. The methane is stored in a tank, and drawn from the tank to provide fuel for an electrical generator. At smaller operations, the captured gasses may be stored in a tank for periodic collection by a tanker truck or other transportation, or where economically feasible, piped to a central processing location. The system is designed to substantially reduce the amount of methane gas released into the environment while providing additional income to the domestic livestock operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Sal Caro
  • Publication number: 20090114088
    Abstract: An inertial gas-liquid separator has a variable flow actuator movable to open and close a variable number of accelerating flow nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Karl G. Evenstad, Eric J. Rego, Brian W. Schwandt
  • Publication number: 20090107329
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in injecting powder materials into the flue gasses flowing through a baghouse compartment in conjunction with the performance of selected operating processes on the compartment fabric filters first entrains the powdered material into a pressurized fluid column to create a gaseous powder material plume that is injected into the flue gasses, thereby providing a more uniform entrainment of the powder materials into the flue gasses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lynn Lee
  • Publication number: 20090078122
    Abstract: An exemplary air filtering system is for filtering air passing through a ventilating opening of an electronic device casing. The air filtering system includes an air filtering unit, an actuating unit, and a monitoring and controlling unit. The air filtering unit includes a flexible air filtering mesh, a driving shaft and a following shaft. The driving and following shaft are rotatably positioned at opposite sides of the ventilating opening. The air filtering mesh is wrapped around the driving and following shafts with opposite ends thereof positioned to the driving and following shaft respectively. A portion of the air filtering mesh between the driving and following shafts covers the ventilating opening. The actuating unit is connected to the driving shaft of the filtering unit. The monitoring and controlling unit is configured to monitor a temperature in the electronic device casing and control the actuating unit according to the temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HUAN-LIANG LO
  • Patent number: 7497897
    Abstract: An air supply device for the passenger cell of a motor vehicle includes a rotating element formed in an axial suction intake region of the air-conditioning blower and upstream of the air-conditioning blower. The rotating element covers the air inlet region such that all the sucked-in drops impinge onto the element. Arranged in front of the housing wall of the air supply device are drop interception elements which are fixed lamellae of low inclination or wedge structures with acute wedge angles. The drop interception elements are inclined so that the drops impinge at an acute angle. Active water and particle (pre)-separation is thereby ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Joachim Currle, Frank Fruehauf
  • Publication number: 20090025566
    Abstract: A condensed water discharging apparatus for a fuel cell system is disclosed. The condensed water discharging apparatus includes: a drain tank installed around a hydrogen discharging line comprising an inlet portion, an outlet portion formed on both distal ends of the drain tank, and a intermediate portion having at least a drain hole installed wherein the intermediate portion is disposed inside the drain tank so that condensed water is separated from hydrogen flowing in through the intermediate portion by gravity and is drained downwardly; and a drain pump connected to the drain tank to discharge condensed water drained through the drain holes of the intermediate portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Youngjin Son, Youngbum Kum, Sungho Lee
  • Publication number: 20090025552
    Abstract: A gas purification apparatus capable of removing fine particles of substantially any size without lowering the efficiency of gas supply. A loader module of a substrate processing apparatus includes a fan filter unit for producing a downward flow of atmospheric air in the internal space of a transfer chamber. The fan filter unit includes a fan for generating an atmospheric air flow, a filter of mesh structure for trapping and removing particles mixed in the atmospheric air flow, an irradiation heater disposed between the fan and the filter, and a high temperature part disposed in the atmospheric air flow and higher in temperature than the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Moriya
  • Publication number: 20090000471
    Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for removing matter from a filtering device of a work machine includes a gas pressurization assembly. An element of the gas pressurization assembly is removably attachable to a first orifice of the filtering device without removing the filtering device from a work machine to which the filtering device is connected. The system also includes a heat source fluidly connected to the gas pressurization assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Cheryl Lynn Sellers, David Thaler, Mark T. Grimm, Jeremy Trethewey, Natalie Noel Vanderspiegel, Richard A. Crandell, Dong Fel, Roger A. Hudson, Mark Alan Gasper, Herbert DaCosta, Eric Charles Fluga, Hemant Prasad Malhampatti, Bruce Frazier, Matthew Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20080289492
    Abstract: A system and associated method for removing metal, including metal in vapor form, from high temperature fluid emissions such as may occur at the exhaust of furnaces or thermal treatment equipment. One embodiment is the Integrated Metal Emissions Control System (IMECS™) incorporating both a Steel Screen Particulate (SSP) Filter System and a Perlite Based Sorbent (PBS) System. IMECS™ uses the SSP Filter System, with pore sizes down to one micron, to capture toxic metal particulate materials and the PBS System to capture vapor phase metals using surface-modified perlite. Using the IMECS™, EPA-listed heavy metals have been removed from representative high-temperature emissions in field tests to easily meet the NESHAP standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Veera M. Boddu, Kent James Hay
  • Publication number: 20080245706
    Abstract: A soil sampler includes a fluidized bed for receiving a soil sample. The fluidized bed may be in communication with a vacuum for drawing air through the fluidized bed and suspending particulate matter of the soil sample in the air. In a method of sampling, the air may be drawn across a filter, separating the particulate matter. Optionally, a baffle or a cyclone may be included within the fluidized bed for disentrainment, or dedusting, so only the finest particulate matter, including asbestos, will be trapped on the filter. The filter may be removable, and may be tested to determine the content of asbestos and other hazardous particulate matter in the soil sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Barry H. O'Brien, Paul D. Ritter
  • Publication number: 20080216647
    Abstract: The method for salon air purifying comprises the following steps: (a) categorizing contaminants generated in the salon; (b) selecting air purifiers such that each air purifier is most effective in capturing a specific category of contaminants; (c) detecting which category of contaminants is being generated; (d) activating the air purifier that would most effectively capture the specific contaminants being generated and deactivate other air purifier(s) if not needed. Applying the aforementioned method, the apparatus for salon air purification comprises: (a) detectors to detect which category of contaminants are being generated, (b) two different air purifiers: one for capturing chemical fumes and the other for capturing filing dust and (c) a controller to receive the detectors' data, to activate air purifier only when airborne contaminants are present and to select which air purifier to activate based on the detectors' data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Trungnhan Phan
  • Publication number: 20080156195
    Abstract: An air shower device which prevents allergenic substances which cause hay fever from being brought into a living space, in which a person resides or carries out an activity, by an outside body. The air shower device includes a suction unit, which takes in outside air; an air blower unit having an air blower which blows air which has been taken in, at a specific air-flow rate and a filter which cleans by removing dust, including pollen, from air which is blown; and a dust collecting unit which collects dust, including pollen, from exhaust of an air shower room which includes the air blower unit. Further, the air shower device includes an air-flow rate control unit which controls the amount of air blown by an air blower according to an amount of pollen dispersed in the outside air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Osamu Nakamura, Yasuyuki Arai
  • Publication number: 20080145295
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for highly purifying nitric oxide by removing impurities included in nitric oxide, which comprises: a number of dehumidifiers connected to one another in a series, to remove water and carbon dioxide from the nitric oxide; a vaporizing and liquefying unit for respectively separating impurities into a gaseous state and a liquid state by cooling the nitric oxide which passed through the dehumidifiers at sub-zero temperatures; a storage tank for storing highly purified nitric oxide separated by the vaporizing and liquefying unit; an exhaust pump for discharging gaseous impurities, separated by the vaporizing and liquefying unit, to a scrubber; an outlet for discharging liquid impurities, separated by the vaporizing and liquefying unit, to the scrubber; and the scrubber 50 for purifying the gaseous and liquid impurities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Jun-Youl Lee, Bong-Soo Seo
  • Patent number: 7387655
    Abstract: An air filtration unit for use in a work environment includes a housing disposed with an air filtration system and light source. The housing includes a handle and corner caps to prevent damage and provide stability. The air filtration system draws air into the housing, via a blower, through a first and second inlet gate, the air is at least partially filtered by a first and second filter assembly, which provide a two stage filtering, and then the at least partially filtered air is blown through an exhaust conduit back out into the work environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Chipner, Mark A. Etter, Angela D. Shelton, Leslie D. Gist, John C. Smith, Charles Chen
  • Publication number: 20080034964
    Abstract: A gas permeable membrane comprising a thin polymeric coating on a microporous backing, said gas permeable membrane being permeable permitting for oxygen and carbon dioxide at different flow rates, wherein the gas permeable membrane is made from a copolymer of a polyether and a polyamide enables the achievement of a controlled atmosphere in a cargo region, wherein the membrane is able to obtain and hold low concentrations of carbon dioxide and of oxygen in the atmosphere in the cargo region and to produce an “ideal” or optimum storage atmosphere which will ensure a retardation of respiratory activity within the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Richard D. Schmidt, Gert Jorgensen, Dorothea Catharina Nymeijer, Hendrikus Henry Maria Rolevink
  • Patent number: 7326282
    Abstract: The control device for a separator includes: a drainage pump powered by a first electric motor and an aspiration pump powered by a second electric motor. It further includes: sensor elements of known type for detecting operating parameters of the separator, such as pressure of liquid in outlet, ambient temperature, motor temperature, and for providing command signals which are proportional to the operating parameters and which command the inverters which upon receiving the command signals modify a frequency of the electrical supply current to the first electric motor and to the second electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Cattani S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ennio Cattani
  • Patent number: 7326269
    Abstract: A filtration unit for use with an environmental control unit (ECU), usually a portable ECU, which includes at least two air flow paths wherein at least one of the air flow paths allows for use of air which has not passed through a nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) filter and at least one other does. The filtration unit may have at least three air paths, at least two of which provide NBC filtered air. This filtration unit can provide for longer expected operational life before filter replacement is required in both contaminated and non-contaminated environments. Further, the filtration unit may include remote sensing and control apparatus allowing for quick switching between operational modes depending on the need for filtered vs. unfiltered air and for a decreased reliance on personnel for maintenance and control, and a more simplified setup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Engineered Support Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Wootton, Asdrubal Garcia-Ortiz
  • Patent number: 7309365
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including an electric blower for generating suction air, a collecting unit for collecting dust contained in the suction air, a dust removing unit for removing dust adhered to the collecting unit, and a dust removing stop unit for stopping an operation of the dust removing unit. The dust removing stop unit stops the operation of the dust removing unit in response to a user's selection or an operation mode of the vacuum cleaner, thereby saving a power consumption of the dust removing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Yuasa, Akihito Ito, Takafumi Ishibashi, Kazuhisa Morishita
  • Patent number: 7294181
    Abstract: A system and method for providing filtered and pressurized air into a vehicle cab, enclosure or other interior enclosed environment is described, in which a filtered positive pressure air unit comprises a sealed box, a HEPA filter, a blower, a magnahelic, power source and ductwork. Dirty air is drawn by the blower through the hose and ductwork to the HEPA filter where a certain percentage of impurities of a certain size or larger are removed. Clean air is discharged at a sufficiently high rate to create a positive pressure inside the interior enclosed environment, keeping clean air in, and dirty air out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Marcor Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark C. Smith
  • Patent number: 7273560
    Abstract: An apparatus for recycling the stripper solutions with higher recycling rate is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stripper condenser; a first buffer tank; a second buffer tank connecting to said stripper condenser by a first pipe and connecting to said first buffer tank by a second pipe; a recycling device connecting to said first buffer tank by a fourth pipe; a first pump mounted on said first pipe; a second pump mounted on said second pipe; a concentration detector mounted in said stripper condenser; and a controller electrically connected to said concentration detector, said flow meter, and said liquid level sensor for receiving the signals therefrom, and electrically connected to said first pump and said second pump for sending on-off messages to said second pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Ta Sen Su, Chien Chou, Ji Luen Chen
  • Patent number: 7201787
    Abstract: An air cleaner and method of controlling an operation of the same is disclosed. The air cleaner includes a cabinet having an inlet and an outlet; a filter assembly removing dust and smell particles from a room air; a fan; a sensor assembly sensing the composition of the room air; a supplier assembly providing at least one of insufficient components of the room air to a cleaned air; and a controller controlling the supplier assembly on the basis of data regarding the composition of the room air. In another aspect, the method of controlling the operation of the air cleaner includes steps of sensing a room air; measuring insufficient components of the room air and the amount thereof; and providing at least one of the insufficient components of the room air to a cleaned air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ho Seon Choi, Ju-Yeon Lee
  • Patent number: 7153347
    Abstract: The present invention provides device and method for controlling air cleaning operation, in which an air conditioner with an air cleaner is made to clean air effectively proper to different pollutants. The device includes a memory having a plurality of operation modes set and stored therein for controlling operation of a fan proper to characteristics of air pollution sources, first means for selecting one of the plurality of operation modes stored in the memory, and a controlling part for controlling the fan according to a control program of the operation mode. The method includes the steps of selecting one of a plurality of operation modes, changing setting of an operation time period of the selected operation mode, reading the selected operation mode from the memory, and changing the operation time period of the operation mode to the set value, and controlling the fan according to the value of the changed operation time period and the value of the operation mode read from the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Tae Wook Kang, Jae Keun Lee, Ju Ho Ock
  • Patent number: 7150779
    Abstract: An acoustic agglomerator for agglomerating constituents in a fluid is provided. The acoustic agglomerator includes an area containing a fluid having constituents and an acoustic generator operable to generate a modulated acoustic field to enhance agglomeration of the constituents in the fluid. In one aspect the acoustic field is frequency modulated and in other aspects the acoustic field is amplitude modulated, while yet in other aspects the acoustic field is both frequency and amplitude modulated. A method for agglomerating constituents in a fluid is also provided. The method includes providing a fluid with a constituent and applying an acoustic field to the fluid. The method provides for modulating the acoustic field to cause the constituent to agglomerate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventor: George Douglas Meegan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7074250
    Abstract: An air filtration unit for use in a work environment includes a housing disposed with an air filtration system and light source. The housing includes a handle and corner caps to prevent damage and provide stability. The air filtration system draws air into the housing, via a blower, through a first and second inlet gate, the air is at least partially filtered by a first and second filter assembly, which provide a two stage filtering, and then the at least partially filtered air is blown through an exhaust conduit back out into the work environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Chipner, Mark A. Etter, Angela D. Shelton, Leslie D. Gist, John C. Smith, Charles Chen
  • Patent number: 7052525
    Abstract: A protective system having an upstream detection subsystem to detect a contaminant in an airflow and to provide a contaminant signal, an upstream detection subsystem, a filtration subsystem to filter the contaminant from the airflow, a valve adapted to allow selective routing of the airflow, and a control system adapted to control the valve to route the airflow through the protective system upon receiving the contaminant signal from the upstream detection subsystem. In one embodiment, the upstream detection subsystem includes at least two different types of detectors for detecting same type of contaminants. In another embodiment, the upstream detection subsystem is adapted to detect a contaminant, and a daughter compound. In another embodiment, the protective system includes a downstream detection subsystem. In yet another embodiment, the protective system includes a vehicle data link subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Ensco, Inc.
    Inventors: Ki Ho Kang, Boyd Lease
  • Patent number: 7025798
    Abstract: A personal tabletop-type air cleaner is provided which is user-friendly and can improve smoke sucking efficiency in a simple configuration. The disclosed personal tabletop-type air cleaner has a front opening portion to suck air containing smoke of a cigarette, a blower to forcedly feed air having been sucked into the front opening portions in a centrifugal manner, a pair of right and left peripheral opening portions each being placed in a fringe portion on the right and the left at a front of the air cleaner and forming an air curtain by emitting air fed forcedly from the blower ahead of the front of the air cleaner, a dust collecting filter being placed between the front opening portion and the blower to remove cigarette odor, and a deodorizing filter being placed between the blower and each peripheral opening portion making up the pair of right and left peripheral opening portions to remove cigarette odor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: O-DEN Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyomu Endo
  • Patent number: 6991674
    Abstract: An air quality monitoring arrangement is associated with an enclosed cab of an agricultural tractor used for towing or carrying spraying implements for treating crop with substances which might be toxic or otherwise harmful to people. A signal from a contaminant sensor is sent to a control arrangement which compares the actual sensed contamination of the air within the cab over time with a value from a performance map representing the performance expected from normal performance of the air circulating system of the cab. When the sensed contamination is higher than that of the performance map the operator is warned of a malfunction. The blower of the air circulating system may have its speed increased so as to pressurize the cab so as to exclude the entry of contaminated air through seals and other small openings of the cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Gunnar Dietrich
  • Patent number: 6962619
    Abstract: An air decontamination system that cleans air which has been contaminated by a terrorist attack or other means of contamination. The air is drawn into the system, cleaned through the use of filters, and exits the system into an enclosed area where people have gathered to await passage of the danger. The unit is easily turned on and off via a switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventors: Richard DeRosa, Robert Hockenberry
  • Patent number: 6929684
    Abstract: An air cleaning apparatus includes an air cleaning unit moved in a vertical direction to clean room air, allowing the room air to be effectively and uniformly cleaned in a short period of time. The air cleaning apparatus includes a longitudinal cabinet to stand on a support surface. An air cleaning unit is installed in the cabinet to move in the vertical direction, and is provided with a blowing unit and a filtering unit to clean air. An elevating unit is provided at at least one of the cabinet and the air cleaning unit to move the air cleaning unit in the vertical direction. The air cleaning apparatus also includes upper and lower sensors, and a control unit. The upper and lower sensors are provided on upper and lower portions of the cabinet, respectively, to sense air pollution levels of upper and lower parts of a room. The control unit controls the air cleaning unit so that the air cleaning unit moves upward or downward, according to data obtained from the upper and lower sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Eui Chang, Kyung Ho Chai
  • Patent number: 6926762
    Abstract: An air cleaning apparatus includes an air cleaning unit at its upper and lower portions thereof which are independently operated to effectively and uniformly clean room air in a short period of time. The air cleaning apparatus includes a cabinet provided with first and second air cleaning units. The first and second air cleaning units are connected to each other, and are provided with a blowing unit and a filtering unit. First and second sensors are provided on the cabinet in such a way as to be spaced apart from each other, and to sense air pollution levels at opposite sides of a room. The air cleaning apparatus also includes a control unit. The control unit controls the first and second air cleaning units so that both the first and second air cleaning units are operated or either of the first and second air cleaning units is operated, according to data obtained from first and second sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung-Chul Kim, Jai-Kwon Lee
  • Patent number: 6797042
    Abstract: A self contained air purification pyramid shaped system and apparatus that can form up to approximately 300 cfm of air flow at high speed, that can remove allergy causing particulates, microorganisms, and odors/chemicals from the air so as to create a healthier environment. The system and apparatus can use a carbon prefilter for removal of larger particulate and odors/chemicals and gases, a UV(ultra violet) lamp for destruction of bacteria, viruses, and molds, and a hospital grade HEPA filter (approximately 99.97% efficient at approximately 0.3 microns) for removal of smaller particulate and bacteria. Air can first enter the peak of the pyramid shaped apparatus, pass through a carbon prefilter, past the UV lamp(s), through filter, such as a HEPA filter, and through a motorized impeller which pushes the air out lower sides of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Pyramid Air Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek LaFerriere, Dan Martin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6790251
    Abstract: A skull-shaped air filter housing comprising a housing removably attached to a fitting. A jaw is hingedly attached along a lower edge of a face on the housing. The face has eye intake(s), a nose intake, and a jaw intake. When the jaw is open, air enters a housing cavity through the jaw intake. Means of rotating the jaw are disclosed, including cable actuation, spring biasing, and pneumatic actuators. The housing may contain a light for aesthetic purposes. The fitting may incorporate a fitting lumen diameter reduction at its intake to cool and compress air sent to the carburetor. When ram air enters the skull-shaped air filter housing and is sent to the carburetor, it is compressed and therefore denser, and fuel in the carburetor bowl is also compressed, resulting in a power increase in the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen H. Brady, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6783571
    Abstract: For cleaning of crankcase gas produced by an internal combustion engine, that is arranged for propelling a vehicle, use is made of a centrifugal separator having a centrifugal rotor that is mounted on the vehicle. The cleaning efficiency of the centrifugal separator is changed by changing the rotational speed of an electrical motor, that is connected to a source of current on the vehicle and arranged for driving said centrifugal rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventor: Mats Ekeroth
  • Patent number: 6726742
    Abstract: An air cleaner intake door is provided. An air cleaner with at least one sidewall and an opening defined in the sidewall has a door mounted over the opening. The door is rotationally movable between an open and a closed position and a cam extends from the door. A spring is in contact with the door for biasing the door towards a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick P. Arden, John R. Marsh, Neil McGregor, Wayne E. A. Johnson