Abstract: An oxygen enrichment apparatus includes an oxygen enriching unit for generating oxygen-enriched air and a discharge unit for discharging the oxygen-enriched air transferred from the suction unit. The oxygen-enriched air generated by the oxygen enriching unit has an oxygen concentration ranging from about 25% to 35%. The apparatus also includes a suction unit for suctioning the oxygen-enriched air from the oxygen enriching unit and a control unit for controlling the operation of the suction unit. The main body is provided with a display unit for indicating a state that the oxygen-enriched air is being discharged out by the discharge unit. The oxygen enriching unit has at least one oxygen enriching membrane for generating the oxygen-enriched air and a condensed water treating unit is installed at an air passage for guiding the oxygen-enriched air from the oxygen enriching unit to the discharge unit via the suction unit.

Abstract: A method for guaranteeing at least one characteristic of a fluid used for producing food products. This method utilizes a system for piping and delivering the fluid, combined with means for producing the products, in order to use the fluid for producing the products; the measuring a value of the characteristic; the comparing the measured value with a predetermined threshold value; the act of executing an action if the measured value departs from the threshold value; the combining the measured value with first information for identifying at least one product; and then the storing the associated value and the associated information.

Abstract: An inerting system and method characterized by a primary air separation module configured to communicate with an upstream source of pressurized air at elevated temperature for production of a primary downstream flow of nitrogen-enriched air to be delivered to a space to be inerted; a secondary air separation module configured to communicate with the upstream source of pressurized air at elevated temperature for production of a supplemental downstream flow of nitrogen-enriched air to be delivered to a space to be inerted when high nitrogen-enriched airflow is desired during a high flow period; and a flow controller configured to provide a warming flow through the secondary air separation module to heat the secondary air separation module to above ambient temperature during a warming period other than the high flow period.

Abstract: An air filter monitor (10) and method of utilizing such to monitor an air filter is disclosed wherein the monitor has a housing (11), an air flow detector (12) with accompanying electrical circuit (13), and a mounting strap (22) which is configured to be secured to a conventional air vent grill of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. The air flow detector includes a freely rotating impeller and a sensor (30) which senses the rotational speed of the impeller (29). The electrical circuit also includes a central processing unit (CPU) (32), a battery source (33), a calibrating switch (35), and a light indicator (36). The CPU includes memory for retaining an initial airflow velocity, and means for comparing the current airflow velocity with the initial airflow velocity. The CPU compares the current airflow velocity to the initial airflow velocity and actuates the light should a threshold drop in airflow velocity be reached.

Abstract: A service recording device for a filter is particularly suited for an extraction hood with an air flow device with a variable volumetric flow. The service recording device has a counter device with a variable counting speed. The counting speed of the air flow device is thus a function of the volumetric flow of the air flow device.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and predicting air filter condition for an air handling system operates by determining a system resistance to air flow. The system resistance is utilized to determine a detection statistic indicative of current filter condition and to predict remaining life of the air filter. The system resistance is determined using models that approximate the expected operation of the air handling system. The approximation is then compared to actual values to obtain a difference. Once the difference between the approximated value exceeds a threshold value, an alarm is initiated that is indicative of system resistance. The remaining air filter life is then determined by using historically gathered data, or by using a known degradation rate of the air filter. Once the remaining life of the air filter is estimated, replacement can be scheduled that would coincide with other maintenance.

Abstract: An inert gas generating system for generating inert gas on a vehicle having a fuel tank and a fuel tank vent. The system includes an inlet for receiving a flow of gas having a nitrogen component and an oxygen component from a gas source, a heat exchanger downstream from the inlet and in fluid communication with the inlet for cooling gas received from the inlet, and a gas separation module downstream from the heat exchanger and in fluid communication with the heat exchanger for separating gas received from the heat exchanger into a nitrogen-enriched gas flow and an oxygen-enriched gas flow. The gas separation module is adapted to deliver nitrogen-enriched gas from the nitrogen-enriched gas flow to the fuel tank without delivering the nitrogen-enriched gas through the fuel tank vent. The gas separation module is also adapted to deliver nitrogen-enriched gas from the nitrogen-enriched gas flow to the fuel tank vent.

Abstract: A movable spray-painting stand includes a worktable provided with four casters and having a wind-exhausting device and a filtering device assembled thereon. The wind-exhausting device has an air inlet communicating with the wind outlet of the filtering device. A separating device is provided in front of the wind inlet of the filtering device to form a spray painting space. A collapsible work frame is pivotally assembled with the work table and positioned under the separating device, able to be positioned in the spray painting space after articles to be spray painted are placed on its upper plate. The spray painting stand can be moved around freely, and the exhaust and the odor of paint produced during spray painting can be filtered by the filtering device, conforming to environmental protection and ensuring workers' health.

Abstract: A gas delivery system and method are disclosed in which a flow indicator is interposed between the distal end of a conduit connected to a gas source and a device for introducing the gas in the airway of an individual so that the individual, or some other person in visual contact with the individual, can easily determine whether or not gas is flowing through the system.

Abstract: A process for controlling the volume of dry air, dried to a predetermined degree of dryness, from a sweep manifold of an air dryer system, flowing over a plurality of gas/liquid fluid separating membranes, comprising: diverting a predetermined volume of dried air to the manifold; sensing one of the flow volume and humidity values of the remainder of the dried air or the pressure differential within the system; and utilizing one of the differential pressure to control the predetermined volume of dried air and utilizing a controller for achieving the predetermined degree of dryness by controlling at least one solenoid valve which, in turn, controls the flow volume of the predetermined volume of dried air diverted to the manifold.

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.

Abstract: A map which defines a relationship of an exhaust gas pressure P2 at the outlet of a filter (13) to a load Q and rotation speed Ne of an engine (1) is prepared, and an exhaust gas pressure P1 at the inlet to the filter (13) is determined from a differential pressure ?P between the front and rear of the filter and the outlet pressure P2 obtained by referring to the map. The inlet pressure P1 determined in this manner is used to determine an exhaust gas volumetric flow rate Q1, and thus an accurate particulate accumulation SM, which is required to determine the need for regeneration of the filter (13), can be calculated.

Abstract: An emission sampling system includes an exhaust gas probe for sampling exhaust gas. A dilution gas source provides a dilution gas, and a mixing device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas probe and the dilution gas source to mix the sampled exhaust gas and the dilution gas to form a diluted exhaust gas. A particulate filter is in fluid communication with the mixing device downstream therefrom. A dilution temperature conditioning device is arranged between the dilution gas source and the mixing device for obtaining a desired dilution gas temperature. A temperature sensor is arranged in the sampling system for producing a temperature signal corresponding to a temperature of fluid flowing through the sampling system. A controller is connected to the temperature sensor for processing the temperature signal and determining a filter temperature from the temperature signal. The controller commands the conditioning device in response to the filter temperature.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus for a reflow oven includes a contaminated-gas inlet for receiving contaminated gas from a reflow oven; a filtering device configured to filter the received contaminated gas; a returned gas outlet for returning filtered gas to the reflow oven; a gas removal arrangement for allowing gas to escape from the apparatus; and a control arrangement for controlling the rate of gas flow through the gas removal arrangement such that in use the flow rate of contaminated gas flowing from a hotter region of the reflow oven to a cooler region of the reflow oven is controlled.

Abstract: An operational state of a system for filtering imaging by-products from an airflow is monitored by comparing a measurement of the flow rate of the airflow to a threshold. Additionally, an operational state of a filtration element is monitored by accumulating a count indicative of the remaining capacity of the filtration element in a memory device coupled to the filtration element.

Abstract: A flow rate of gas supplied to a diesel particulate filter is increased when it is determined that rapid combustion of collected particulates, which are collected by the particulate filter, is likely to occur based on an operating state of an internal combustion engine. Alternatively, the flow rate of gas supplied to the filter is increased when it is determined that rapid combustion of the collected particulates is initiated based on a state of the particulate filter.

Abstract: A compact and highly portable combination pressure swing adsorption apparatus and product gas conservation device for medical use, to produce efficiently a gas with a high concentration of oxygen and to deliver the oxygen concentrated gas to a user at selectable times and in selectable doses.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for filtering contaminants from a pressurized fluid. First and second filter elements are arranged within a housing to receive a flow of pressurized fluid. Respective first and second portions of the flow are directed through the filter elements and impinge opposing sides of a piston member which is biased in a first position by a collapsible pressure responsive member, such as a buckling pin. So long as the differential pressure across the first filter element is below a selected threshold, the first portion of the flow passes through an outlet of the housing and the second portion of the flow is blocked. Once sufficient contaminants have been captured by the first filter element, however, the resulting increase in differential pressure causes a collapse of the pressure responsive member. This moves the piston to a second position and directs the second portion of the flow to the outlet.

Abstract: A self-cleaning filter and cooling system are disclosed for filtering ambient air used to cool the interior of an equipment enclosure. The system includes an enclosure for housing predetermined equipment to be cooled, the enclosure including an air intake port and an exhaust port. The system includes a blower for causing ambient air to be inducted into the enclosure through the air intake port and expelled from the exhaust port. The system also includes a filter that includes a predetermined filter media that covers the air intake port and the exhaust port. The filter moves relative to the air intake port and the exhaust port. The enclosure and blower are configured so as to create a single air flow path for equipment cooling and for discharging exhaust through the filter media to dislodge any particulate matter entrapped in the filter media.

Abstract: A device for separating gas and liquid/solid particles from a gas/liquid/solid particle mixture having a line in which the medium flows, a deflecting element situated in the line, which generates separating vortexes in the medium and thus separates gas from liquid/solid particles.

Abstract: A map which defines a relationship of an exhaust gas pressure P2 at the outlet of a filter (13) to a load Q and rotation speed Ne of an engine (1) is prepared, and an exhaust gas pressure P1 at the inlet to the filter (13) is determined from a differential pressure &Dgr;P between the front and rear of the filter and the outlet pressure P2 obtained by referring to the map. The inlet pressure P1 determined in this manner is used to determine an exhaust gas volumetric flow rate Q1, and thus an accurate particulate accumulation SM, which is required to determine the need for regeneration of the filter (13), can be calculated.

Abstract: A compact and highly portable combination pressure swing adsorption apparatus and product gas conservation device for medical use, to produce efficiently a gas with a high concentration of oxygen and to deliver the oxygen concentrated gas to a user at selectable times and in selectable doses.

Abstract: A fluid filtration system, such as an ambient air cleaner, employs a measurement mechanism to determine the amount of fluid flow through the system. The measurement system provides data or actuates an indicator. The indicator may have a pointer to indicate fluid flow along a gradient display that contains numeric information and/or is color coded. Alternatively, fluid flow may be displayed electronically. The indicator may be protected within a separate housing that projects from a filtration unit housing or may be disposed within a recess of the filtration unit housing.

Abstract: Air filter assemblies include an air filter housing with an air flow passageway extending therethrough, and a connection flange to facilitate attachment with an air filter member. The air filter member includes an annular air filter element disposed concentrically around the housing. The filter member has a closed top at one end and a retaining band at an opposite end that includes a connection base that is configured to attach with the housing connection flange. An attachment assembly is positioned over the housing connection flange and air filter member connection base to releasibly attach the air filter member to the air filter housing. An O-ring seal is interposed between the air filter housing and member to provide a leak-tight fit therebetween. A sound attenuating chamber is disposed within the assembly to control unwanted intake air noise therein. A vacuum monitor can be attached to the assembly to assess the remaining service life of the air filter element without need for visual inspection.

Abstract: An air filter capable of visual indication of a clogged condition thereof includes a housing, a filter unit, a fan unit and a signaling device. The housing has an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air passage extending from the air inlet to the air outlet. The signaling device includes a flap disposed to span the air passage, a horizontal pivot pin connected securely to the flap and pivotable relative to the housing, and a pointer connected to one end of the pivot pin and rotatable with the pivot pin relative to the housing. A reduction in air flow through the air passage attributed to a clogged condition of the air filter causes the flap to pivot and move the pointer relative to the housing so as to indicate the clogged condition of the air filter.

Abstract: An operational state of a system for filtering imaging by-products from an airflow is monitored by comparing a measurement of the flow rate of the airflow to a threshold. Additionally, an operational state of a filtration element is monitored by accumulating a count indicative of the remaining capacity of the filtration element in a memory device coupled to the filtration element.

Abstract: An air cleaner assembly for an internal combustion engine and process for eliminating fuel emissions from passing into the atmosphere. The air cleaner assembly includes a housing including a filter element situated therein, an outlet for allowing filtered air to flow to the engine, and an inlet conduit extending from the housing for permitting the entry of air into the housing. A retainer is coupled to the inlet conduit. The retainer includes an adsorber member.

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

Abstract: A filter device for the filtration of compressed air, which is provided with a filter means (6) able to be deinstalled for cleaning and/or renewal purposes. Furthermore there is a detection means (52) which renders possible detection of the filter means (6) and which is able to produce an electrical detect signal dependent on the result of a detection operation, such signal being able to be employed for suitable purposes.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for monitoring the vacuum conditions for the treatment of vegetable or animal oil. During the treatment, a number of processes, such as refining, bleaching and/or deodorization, are carried out under a vacuum. The vacuum is maintained by a vacuum system, comprised of at least one vacuum creating means and at least one condenser, and a pump arranged at the outlet of the condenser. The condenser is connected to a mass flow meter monitoring the flow of a gas and generates a signal receivable by a controller. The method of monitoring the vacuum system, using the above apparatus, includes the steps of sensing, and registering the mass flow of non-condensable gas out of the vacuum system. An alarm is triggered when the amount of gas exiting the vacuum system differs from a set value.

Abstract: An automated filter changing device (20) includes a filter reel system (22). A motor (24) is connected to the filter reel system (22). An airflow sensor (26) is in an airflow of the filter reel system (22). A controller (28) is connected to the motor (24) and the airflow sensor (26). The airflow sensor (26) determines when the airflow is below an acceptable threshold. When the airflow is below an acceptable threshold, the controller (28) tells the motor (24) to index the filter reel system (22).

Abstract: Smoke evacuation apparatus designed to provide safe and efficient filtration and evacuation of smoke plume generated by laser-surgical, electrosurgical, radiosurgical, and electrocautery devices. To ensure capture and removal of the smoke plume, several stages of filtration processes, including a first micro-pre-filter to filter out the most particles and harmful elements at this stage followed by passage of the smoke plume through a main vacuum suction unit and filter to filter out the remaining particles and any odors, are employed. Preferably, the main filter comprises fine charcoal through which the air flows radially which helps remove the odors. In a preferred embodiment, means are provided to monitor the degree of pollution of the main filter to warn users when it is desirable or necessary to replace the main filter.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus for a reflow oven includes a contaminated-gas inlet for receiving contaminated gas from a reflow oven; a filtering device configured to filter the received contaminated gas; a returned gas outlet for returning filtered gas to the reflow oven; a gas removal arrangement for allowing gas to escape from the apparatus; and a control arrangement for controlling the rate of gas flow through the gas removal arrangement such that in use the flow rate of contaminated gas flowing from a hotter region of the reflow oven to a cooler region of the reflow oven is controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus having at least one membrane filter for a superficial filtering of at least dirt particles from inflowing cooling air for cooling an electrical module and also at least one cooling device for establishing an air flow in the housing and for discharging the heated-up cooling air out of the housing from at least one air outlet, the membrane filter associated with a vibration generator to undergo a mechanical vibration which causes the dirt particles deposited on the surface to be dislodged.

Abstract: A gas purification system has at least one purifier in a purifier line with a gas supply inlet at one end and a process outlet at an opposite end for connection to a process tool using the purified gas. A vent line having a vent outlet is connected to the outlet end of the purifier. A control valve in the vent line controls connection of the purifier outlet to the vent outlet, and a control valve in the purifier line controls connection of the purifier outlet to the process outlet. A flow controller in the purifier line controls flow rate through the purifier. The system is controlled to provide an increased flow rate through the purifier and to connect the purifier outlet to the vent outlet on start up of the system, and then to connect the purifier outlet to the process outlet as soon as conditioning is complete.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for capturing the emissions from a controlled atmosphere treatment apparatus of the type having at least one, and usually several, controlled atmosphere zones therein and exhaust stacks that deliver environmentally unfriendly emissions therefrom. Nozzles are attached to the exhaust stacks from the various controlled atmosphere zones in the treatment apparatus. The nozzles accelerate the exhaust flow from the exhaust stacks, provide a means for measuring the flow from the exhaust stacks, yet maintain the mass flow rates from the exhaust stacks at predetermined levels. The flow from the nozzles is directed through closed conduits to an optional filter and an exhaust fan that provides suction to draw the exhaust flow through the nozzles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the filtration of process fluid. The system provides establishing a peak flow rate of permeate through a filter and then engaging a filtering cycle in which process fluid is passed through the filter until such time as the flow rate of permeate through the filter reaches a predetermined level which is set as a function of the initial permeate flow rate. At that point in time, a cleaning cycle is entered, during which cleaning fluid is passed through the filter for such a period of time as is necessary to allow the permeate flow rate with the cleaning solution to stabilize. At that point in time, the processing of process fluid is recommenced and the process continues on a repetitive basis between the processing of process fluid and the cleaning of the filter.

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

Abstract: The invention provides a compact, portable system for protection against the penetration of contaminated air into a protected space. The system includes a gas filter and an air-intake unit. There is also a blower for sucking air through the filter into the protected space. An air exhaust unit is provided with an over-pressure valve. For actuating the blower, a member is provided. With the system as described, at least the filter, the blower and the means for actuating the blower can be removed, stored and reassembled by the user.

Abstract: As apparatus for monitoring usage of a replaceable water filter is adapted to determine the extent of filter usage and indicate the need for filter replacement. It includes elements for processing the flow of water over time to determine the extent of filter usage, and elements for activating and deactivating the processing elements upon starting and stopping of water flow. It further includes elements for indicating the extent of filter usage as determined by the processing elements by comparison to preset levels. The elements include a single magnet which is freely movable within a housing channel whose movement is solely responsive to pressure changes brought about by the stopping and starting of the water flow.

Abstract: An evacuation system is provided for removing smoke generated during a surgical procedure performed in a surgical room. The evacuation system includes a pre-filter assembly and a replaceable filter cartridge module disposed in the surgical room to permit replacement of used filter cartridge modules with new filter cartridge modules by personnel within the surgical room. A vacuum generator is disposed outside of the surgical room and includes a vacuum pump for establishing an air flow through the replaceable filter cartridge module. The pre-filter assembly includes an elongate flexible suction hose that is adapted for manipulation into position adjacent the medical procedure. A mechanical connection mechanism enables pre-filter assemblies to be easily replaced between each surgical procedure. An accumulated filter usage circuit calculates a quantity of filter capacity available and generates a filter loading signal based on the available capacity.

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: 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: A method and device indirectly monitors the purity of nitrogen gas manufactured from air using a permeable membrane to separate air components. A gas flow measuring device inserted in gas conduits downstream from the membrane monitors nitrogen gas purity by measuring normal flow and detects deviation from desired purity levels by changing gas flow caused by manufacturing apparatus malfunctions.