Abstract: A filtration system, includes a filtration unit and processor. The filtration unit operates to filter ablative particles generated by thermal imaging of media and transmits a signal corresponding to a parameter, such as a pressure or pressure differential, representing a current state of the operation of the filtration unit, such as the state of the filters, during the filtering of the ablative particles. The processor receives the transmitted signals and generates, responsive to the receipt of the transmitted signal, a signal representing operator information associated with the current state operation, such as a warning or instructions for correcting a deficiency, and/or a signal to stop the imaging of the media.

Abstract: A ventless air scrubber assembly for use with a conventional cooking appliance situated within an interior location. A ventilation hood is arrayed in an overhanging manner above the cooking appliance and includes a recessed interior defined by a planar base surface and a plurality of interconnecting sides. The hood further includes an intake and an exhaust and a plurality of individual grease extraction units located within the hood in proximity to the exhaust. A filtration housing having an inlet and an outlet is located a specified distance from the hood and is interconnected to the hood exhaust by a first length of ductwork extending filtration housing inlet. A plurality of individual filters are arrayed between the inlet and an outlet in successive fashion. The filters include particulate entrapment filters and an odor removal filter. A second length of ductwork extends between the filtration housing outlet and an inlet of an exhaust fan.

Abstract: A panel-type filter employs a rectangular filter element having shifted pleats wherein the peaks of the pleats on the upstream and downstream sides of the filter medium alternate between high and low peaks. By so configuring the filter medium, turbulence is decreased at the upstream side of the filter which reduces restriction. The reduced restriction increases air flow to the engine which results in reduced fuel consumption and higher engine output power. Moreover, compression and turbulence is reduced at the downstream side of the filter resulting in flow past sensors to the engine which is more laminar, thus increasing the effectiveness of the sensors.

Abstract: A bleed valve for introducing bled fluid to a mainstream fluid flowing through apparatus across which a pressure differential occurs, characterized in that the bleed valve is adapted to open so as to bleed fluid into the mainstream fluid when the pressure differential across the apparatus falls below a predetermined value. This arrangement is particularly appropriate to vacuum cleaners incorporating cyclonic dust-separating apparatus in that the bleed valve is more reliably operated in response to a reduction in airflow. This ensures efficient functioning of the cyclonic dust-separating apparatus and reduces the risk of overheating of the motor.

Abstract: A method and device for removing dust from spaces having a high dust loading utilizing a blast jet chamber having a cartridge filter (2) for the exhaust volume flow and a cyclone dust separator (4) as well and an associated exhaust stack (3) for the recirculating volume flow, wherein the blast jet chamber (1) further includes intake labyrinths (6), fresh air shutters (5), recirculating air channels for the recirculating volume flow, and blowers (9, 10) with a control device (8) for producing the volume flows.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for filter exchange in an air filtering system of a clean room for allowing easy exchange of the filter used in the clean room. The auxiliary device for filter exchange may include a block plate having a width to be inserted through a filter frame extended downwardly toward the inside of a production line and equipped with a filter thereon; a support for supporting the bottom of the block plate and facing with the inside wall of the filter frame keeping a constant distance between them; and a tube having an air passage and installed to closely adhere to the filter frame along the circumference of the support for sealing. Adjustable seal inserts (such as corner-shaped inserts) may be provided for auxiliary or additional sealing effect, for example, at corners of a filter frame. A pressure indicator may also be provided for monitoring correct inflation of the tube.

Abstract: The plant for producing a product stream includes, mounted in series, several modules adapted to perform successive and distinct elementary treatments. At least two elementary treatment modules each include at least two treatment apparatuses mounted in parallel. The plant furthermore includes a device for controlling the various treatment apparatuses as a function of the product stream desired at the outlet of the plant. The control device includes sensors for measuring at least two variables representative of the product stream, and a fuzzy logic regulator adapted for controlling, in at least two distinct treatment modules, at least two treatment apparatuses of the same module, on the basis of the same measured representative variable.

Abstract: A bleed valve (30) for introducing bled fluid to a mainstream fluid through apparatus (16) across which a pressure differential occurs, characterized in that the bleed valve (30) is adapted to open so as to bleed fluid into the mainstream fluid when the pressure differential across the apparatus (16) falls below a predetermined value. This arrangement is particularly appropriate to vacuum cleaners incorporating cyclonic dust-separating apparatus in that the bleed valve is more reliably operated in response to a reduction in airflow. This ensures efficient functioning of the cyclonic dust-separating apparatus and reduces the risk of overheating of the motor.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for recovering a gas using a semipermeable membrane in an apparatus having a simple structure. The method is capable of maintaining a purity of a product gas at a constant value even if a feed amount of a feed stream is fluctuated. A feed stream G1 is a gas mixture of a fast gas having a relatively high permeability to a membrane 1 and a slow gas having a relatively low permeability to the membrane 1. The feed stream G1 is pressurized by a compressor 3 and fed to a membrane 1 separation unit 2 having the membrane 1. Part G7 of the permeate stream on the permeate side of the membrane 1 is recirculated to the upstream side of the compressor 3 through the first recirculation line 17 and merged into a stream of the feed stream G1. Simultaneously, another part of the permeate stream G2 on the permeate side of the membrane 1 is recovered through a product gas recovering line 5.

Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting machine includes a drive engine, a cooler and a cooling fan preceded by a cooling-air cleaning device incorporating a filter for retaining dirt particles in the drawn-in cooling-air and also including a suction device for removing said dirt particles, and the cooling-air cleaning device being driven by means of an engageable drive means. One aspect is that the drive means is engaged in dependence on a value measured by sensors. The suction housing and/or the baffle plate is rotatable under gravity or by being motor driven, when the suction device is switched off, into a position covering a region associated with the lower part of the filter device.

Abstract: An air filter cleanness gauge is provided. The gauge in a preferred embodiment includes a transparent cover. The housing has a first opening for fluid communication with the atmosphere and a second opening having fluid communication with a fluid source exposed to a filter. A vane is pivotally connected within the housing and provides a pressure boundary between the first and second openings. Movement of the vane indicates a change in pressure differential between the atmosphere and the fluid source, thereby indicating a need to change the air filter.

Abstract: An air filter (102) is provided by a housing (104) having an air inlet (106) and an air outlet (108), a main filter element (110) in the housing, a plastic outlet tube (116) having a sidewall (118) with a pressure tap opening (120) therethrough, a plastic fitting tube (122) extending from the plastic outlet tube at the pressure tap opening for receiving a pressure sensor connector (126), and an internal reinforcement member (128,146) in the plastic fitting tube resisting breakage of the latter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for separating liquids and solids from a gas stream and simultaneously coalescing liquids from the gas stream. The apparatus includes a closed vessel having a longitudinally extending length, an initially open interior, an input port at an extent and an output port at an opposite extent thereof. There is a partition located within the vessel interior that divides the vessel interior into a first stage and a second stage. There is at least one opening in the partition. A separator/coalescer filter element is disposed within the vessel to sealingly extend from within the first stage through the opening into the second stage. There is a chevron-type seal or an O-ring seal between the filter element and the opening.

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: A reflow soldering device extracts a vaporized component of a contaminative material, such as flux, from exhaust gas from a reflow furnace. The device includes a conveyor for transferring a circuit substrate, a heater for heating the transferred circuit substrate, a cooler for cooling the circuit substrate which has been reflow soldered by heater, discharge pipes and a discharge blower for discharging an exhaust gas at high temperature from the heater to the outside of the device, and a flux remover mounted in the discharge pipes which cools the exhaust gas to 70.degree. C. and below, preferably 60.degree. C. and below, so as to cause a vaporized component, such as flux contained in the exhaust gas, to become liquid or solid and to be removed.

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 filter alert has a pressure differential switch that is responsive to positive and/or negative pressure through a pressure tube. The pressure tube is in fluid communication intermediate a positive-pressure or high-pressure side of an intended filter and a positive-pressure inlet aperture of a pressure-differential switch for indication of positive pressure across the intended filter. Optionally, the pressure tube is in fluid communication intermediate a negative-pressure or low-pressure side of a filter and a low-pressure inlet aperture of the pressure-differential switch for indication of low pressure across the filter. The pressure-differential switch actuates an actuator for alarm signals for desired action. The filter alert also includes a switch condition communication component, a filter condition alert and an alert container on which the pressure-differential switch is positioned.

Abstract: A method and a device for collecting by-products individually, applied to the semiconductor manufacture factory, is disclosed. The device, adapted to be used to filter a fluid accompanied with an object, for retaining the object therein includes a body, an entrance provided on an upper portion of the body for enabling the fluid to flow into the body, a powder trap mounted in the body for filtering the fluid to retain the object therein, a guiding device mounted in the body for guiding the fluid to pass the powder trap, and an exit provided on a lower portion of the body for enabling the filtered fluid to flow out. The advantages of the present invention have: (a) preventing the by-products from being reacted with each other resulting in a fire; (b) preventing the low vacuum tube from being chocked by by-products; and (c) collecting the by-products individually.

Abstract: A fan drive checking system, for an air conditioning system in a clean room having a fan filter unit (FFU), includes a flow sensor for sensing air flow inside a housing of a FFU. The sensor provides a sensor signal indicative of normal and adverse flow conditions in the housing. A control portion in data communication with the sensor outputs a control signal responsive to the sensing signal. An alarm in data communication with the control portion provides a warning when the control signal indicates the adverse flow condition.

Abstract: An air cleaner arrangement useful for cleaning air in ablative thermal imaging processes includes a housing and a removable and replaceable element assembly. The housing has an interior, an inlet conduit, and an outlet conduit. The element assembly includes first and second filter elements axially aligned and secured together in a stack configuration. The first filter element has a media pack for filtering particulate material. The second filter element has a media pack for filtering noxious gases, such as formaldehyde. In operation, a blower assembly directs airflow through the inlet conduit, into the first element interior, through the first element media pack, through the second element media pack, into the second element interior, and out through the housing outlet conduit. Methods for filtering and changing out of the element assembly are also described herein.

Abstract: Two filters provided in an exhaust path of an internal combustion engine are used to simultaneously collect particulate in an exhaust gas and are alternately refreshed. When a refresh timing of the filters comes, a determination is made as to which of the filters has a larger accumulation amount. The plurality of filters are refreshed in an order from the filter determined as having the larger accumulation amount, and variation of accumulation amounts of particulate of the filters is corrected, so that both of the filters are refreshed within a tolerable temperature range.

Abstract: A device adapted to indicate the degree to which a filter is soiled is prded, for use in filtering separators of the type having bag-, pouch-, or cartridge-shaped filters. The device has a hose- or tube-shaped air conveyance section. The air conveyance section has at one end a surface contact fitting. An air conveyor is arranged in the air conveyance section. The air conveyor generates an air flow in at least one direction. A pressure gauge is associated with the air conveyance section. The pressure gauge senses and displays the pressure in the airflow. The air conveyance section is equipped with at least one of an air flow meter and an air volume meter with a display. The device is configured as a portable unit. Preferably, the device also includes a dedusting device. The dedusting device has a hose- or tube-shaped dedusting air conveyance duct. The dedusting air conveyance duct has at one end the aforementioned surface contact fitting. A valve is arranged in the dedusting air conveyance duct.

Abstract: A method for filtering the dust in gaseous emissions discharged from a glass furnace includes filtering the emissions at a traverse speed of at least 0.1 m/sec with at least one filtering element downstream of the furnace, and regenerating the filtering element by washing using a water-based solvent which is capable of dissolving and/or washing away most of the filtered dust.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a housing having a floor-engaging nozzle fluidly interconnected with a filter bag in a closed filter bag chamber in the housing through a suction passageway, an exhaust vent in the filter bag chamber to exhaust filtered air exiting from the filter bag chamber and a vacuum motor provided in the housing to draw air from the floor-engaging nozzle to the filter bag. An exhaust filter is mounted in the exhaust vent. A sensor in the filter bag chamber detects a condition representative of the flow of air through the exhaust filter element and an exhaust filter indicator interconnected with the sensor provides a signal to a user when the condition reaches a predetermined level to indicate a clogged condition of the exhaust filter. A sensor and indicator can also be provided for the filter bag so that independent signals can be generated relating to the clogged condition of one or both of the filter bag and exhaust filter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a filter change indicator that is operable in various orientations of the device incorporating it. For example, the filter change indicator is operable when the device is positioned in either the upright or sideways position. The device incorporating the filter change indicator can be any air moving device which incorporates a cleanable or replaceable filter. The filter change indicator includes a transparent viewing window and a tubulation. The viewing window displays a visible signal when the filter needs changing. The visible signal can be a float retained in the tubulation. The tubulation is a hollow transparent tube which forms an incline plane within the housing. The tubulation includes a first end, a second end and a step. The first end is in fluid communication with an air flow path through the tubulation, and this air flow path is exposed to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a process for the filtering out of fibers form an air stream, in which process a stripping blade (3), for the purpose of cleaning, is moved along the surface of a filter (2) installed in a vacuum chamber (10). A controlled linear drive (51) is applied to the said stripper blade (3), by which the stripping blade (3) is made movable for the carrying out of a two phase operational motion along a linear path of travel. The end positions are located at opposite sides outside of the surface of the filter (2) in areas (A, B) wherein the stripping plate (3) is without contact with an opposing surface. During the first phase of travel, the fibrous material is scraped from the surface of the filter (2), while during the second phase of travel of the stripping blade (3) the said fibers are pressed against the filter (2) and the stripping plate (3) essentially moves back over the fiber without taking the said fibrous material with it.

Abstract: A gas/oil separation system for monitoring the performance of a compact, gas/oil separator apparatus which utilizes at least one pair of centrifugal force primary and secondary separators for separating a wellhead fluid containing crude oil, produced water, and hydrocarbon gas from a hydrocarbon production system into its gas and liquid parts employs relatively simple differential pressure instrumentation for producing real-time signals representative of the compact, gas/oil separator apparatus' liquid carryover performance.

Abstract: A filter cell for use as all or as part of a filter panel includes an upper face 1 and a lower face 2. The upper face 1 and lower face 2 includes a set of parallel ribs 3 interconnected across one end by a further rib 4 orthogonal to the ribs 3. A mesh panel 5 is provided between each of the ribs 3 to define a flat surface through which air or gas can flow. The ribs on the upper face 1 cooperate with the ribs on the lower face 2 to define a plurality of open ended compartments spacer frame 6 which increase the size of the compartments by extending the ribbing 3 on the upper 1 and lower 2 faces are provided between upper face 1 and lower face 2. The upper face 1, spacer frames 6 and lower frame 2 are assembled by snap-fit using corresponding male 10 and female 11 lugs. A filter medium is inserted through the open ends into the compartments and a slide plate is used to close the ends.

Abstract: A membrane system controller and control method for maximizing retentate product output and incorporating compressor load detection apparatus and process parameter instrumentation for feeding essential monitoring information to a control unit. Product output maximization is accomplished by increasing the membrane operating temperature during periods when compressor capacity is underutilized.

Abstract: An air filter (10) is provided by a housing (12) having an air inlet (26) and an air outlet (28), a main filter element (30) in the housing, a plastic outlet tube (44) having a sidewall (60) with a pressure tap opening (62) therethrough, a metal fitting (68) in the pressure tap opening and affixed to the plastic outlet tube, for receiving a pressure sensor connector (70), and an auxiliary filter element (74, 90) in the pressure tap opening (62) and affixed to the plastic outlet tube (44) and unaffixed to the metal fitting (68) such that the auxiliary filter element (74, 90) remains in the pressure tap opening (62) if the metal fitting (68) becomes dislodged from the plastic outlet tube (44) and falls out of the pressure tap opening (62), such that the auxiliary filter element (74, 90) continues to protect the clean side (38) of the main filter element (30) and eliminates a possible contaminating bypass thereto through the pressure tap opening (62).

Abstract: In a purifier for removing particulates from an exhaust gas, a pressure difference, and a flow rate of the air supplied to the filter element is adjusted in such a manner that a difference between a pressure difference of an air across a substantially invariable air flow resistance before the air reaches a filter element collecting and storing the particulates therein and a reference pressure difference is a predetermined value, while heating the air.

Abstract: An air treatment system having a relatively large capacity yet a relatively small footprint and low sound level. The air treatment system includes a housing defining adjacent vertically extending inlet and outlet chambers. A blower is mounted within the inlet chamber to move air through the system. A generally planar filter is contained within the outlet chamber and is spaced apart from the rear wall of the housing to define a plenum. The rear wall of the housing is curved so that the plenum is tapered to provide uniform pressure over the face of the filter. The system is adapted to rest upon the floor or mount either vertically or horizontal to a wall. Additionally, the system includes a control mechanism that allows the system to run at full speed for a predetermined period of time and then automatically return to its previous speed level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for separating liquids and solids from a gas stream and simultaneously coalescing liquids from the gas stream. The apparatus includes a closed vessel having a longitudinally extending length, an initially open interior, an input port at an extent and an output port at an opposite extent thereof. There is a partition located within the vessel interior that divides the vessel interior into a first stage and a second stage. There is at least one opening in the partition. A separator/coalescer filter element is disposed within the vessel to sealingly extend from within the first stage through the opening into the second stage. There is a chevron-type seal or an O-ring seal between the filter element and the opening.

Abstract: A dust collector system includes a conduit defining an interior volume, having a first open end, and including an air vent. A pressure differential detector includes a first air flow tap, a second air flow tap, and a pressure differential indicator. The first air flow tap is connected to a dust filter unit dirty air plenum. The second air flow tap is connected to the sensor conduit internal volume at a portion above a location corresponding to a level of collected dust to be detected. The pressure differential detector indicates a presence of at least a selected pressure differential between the first and second air flow taps. When a level of dust in the dust collection container reaches a selected level, it will close the sensor conduit first end. When the sensor conduit first end is closed, a pressure within the sensor conduit internal volume will rise towards atmospheric as a result of the air flow through the air vent.

Abstract: A compact cyclonic filter assembly used for separating unwanted debris from a fluid. The cyclonic filter assembly uses the centrifugal forces to separate large pieces of debris from the fluid and a filter to separate the remaining unwanted debris from the fluid. The present invention can be contained in a compact single housing which may be disassembled for easy cleaning and replacement of parts. The cyclonic filter assembly of the present invention has a vertically oriented cylindrical tube which receives a tangential injection of the debris laden fluid. The tangential injection causes the fluid to circulate around a cylindrical vortex finder which is inside of and coaxial with the tube. The centrifugal forces acting on the debris causes the debris to move outward away from the center of the vortex. The vortex finder has an opening which pulls in the relatively clean fluid near the center of the vortex while the debris laden fluid settles into a collection chamber below the cylindrical tube.

Abstract: A differential pressure indicator has a piston across which inlet and outlet pressures are applied with a spring preventing movement of the piston until a predetermined differential pressure is exceeded. At this point, a port is opened to allow the inlet pressure to be applied to an indicator button to move the indicator button from a retracted position to an operative extended position to indicate that the pressure differential has been exceeded. The use of fluid pressure to operate the indicator button applies a large force to the indicator button and allows it to be securely held in the inoperative position to guard against accidental movement by high G-forces.

Abstract: This invention relates to a filter change indicator that is operable in various orientations of the device incorporating it. For example, the filter change indicator is operable when the device is positioned in either the upright or sideways position. The device incorporating the filter change indicator can be any air moving device which incorporates a cleanable or replaceable filter. The filter change indicator includes a transparent viewing window and a tubulation. The viewing window displays a visible signal when the filter needs changing. The visible signal can be a float retained in the tubulation. The tubulation is a hollow transparent tube which forms an incline plane within the housing. The tubulation includes a first end, a second end and a step. The first end is in fluid communication with an air flow path through the tubulation, and this air flow path is exposed to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A fluid filter (10) includes a housing (14), a mounting head (16), a filter element (34), and a pressure sensor (54) mounted to the housing (14) and having a high pressure port (58) communicating with the high pressure side (36) of the filter element (34) and having a low pressure port (60) communicating with the low pressure side (38) of the filter element (34) to sense the pressure drop across the filter element.