Abstract: The invention provides a filter that can be cut-to-fit or deformed to fit a variety of differently shaped and sized intakes. The invention also provides a filter kit that allows a user to create a filter of a desired size with attaching mechanisms to secure the filter to or on the intake.

Abstract: A triboelectric air filter media is formed as a blend of polyolefin fibers and melamine fibers. The blend of polyolefin fibers and melamine fibers is carded in a carding machine so as to charge polyolefin fibers and melamine fibers with static charges. The weight ratio of polyolefin fibers to melamine fibers is in the range between 10:90 and 90:10.

Abstract: A triboelectric air filter media is formed as a blend of polyolefin fibers and polyamide fibers. The blend of polyolefin fibers and polyamide fibers is carded in a carding machine so as to charge polyolefin fibers and polyamide fibers with static charges. The weight ratio of polyolefin fibers to polyamide fibers is in the range between 10:90 and 90:10.

Abstract: An improved method is disclosed for cleaning a flow of gaseous fluid, such as room air, from particles present in the fluid, the gaseous fluid being ionized, and using a conductive grid placed across and upstream of the filter for protecting the filter from being charged by free ions. An air purifier filter cartridge using the ion-intercepting grid of the invention is also disclosed. The grid may be connected to or electrically insulated from the ionizer ground potential, with equal effect.

Abstract: An air cleaner electrode assembly includes an elongated collector electrode and a plurality of elongated discharge electrodes arranged around the collector electrode. A fan may move air in a direction parallel to a length of the electrodes. The collector electrode may have a plurality of distinct faces where at least one discharge electrode is associated with a corresponding face. A cleaning shuttle may be configured to ride on and remove debris from the elongated electrodes. A voltage differential across the electrodes and the fan speed may be adjusted independently of each other.

Abstract: Electret filter media comprising a nonwoven web of thermoplastic nonconductive microfibers having trapped charge, said charge provided by (1) subjecting the nonwoven web to a corona treatment, followed by (2) impingement of jets of water or a stream of water droplets on the web at a pressure sufficient to provide the web with filtration enhancing electret charge and (3) drying the web. This electret filter media may be used in a respiratory mask to provide extraordinarily good filtration properties.

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

Abstract: An electret filter media includes an additive or mixtures thereof that enhance the charge stability of the media. The filter media achieves acceptable alpha values for a range of filtration challenges without significant decay in alpha values over time. Preferred charge additives include fatty acid amides, oleophobic fluorochemical surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An electrical type grid electrostatic collector/separator removes particles from an air stream. The apparatus includes multiple parallel grids that act as the porous material, enclosed in a sealed compartment so that the entrained air flows parallel and between one or more centrally located grids. A direct current high voltage field is established between the grids with the polarities alternating between facing grids. The system is preferably used for conductive and semi-conductive materials because of the ease at which the particles can receive an induced charge. The charged particles are separated and collected when they are attracted toward the relatively open wire or woven grids and pass laterally through and onto the next attracting grid until they are out of the air stream and generally fall by gravity to the collection vessel. When non-conductive particles are present, external methods of pre-charging by corona discharge are preferably used.

Abstract: An integrated air filtration unit includes a support structure for mounting a V-shaped filter bank to an air passage of an air handling system. The V-shaped filter bank may be moved from a working position in which the air is filtered to a service position in which a pair of filter pads in the filter bank can be accessed for service or replacement. The integrated air filter unit may include an ultraviolet irradiation system for destroying airborne micro-organisms trapped by the pair of filter pads.

Abstract: An improved method is disclosed for cleaning a flow of gaseous fluid, such as room air, from particles present in the fluid, the gaseous fluid being ionized, and using a conductive grid placed across and upstream of the filter for protecting the filter from being charged by free ions. An air purifier filter cartridge using the ion-intercepting grid of the invention is also disclosed. The grid may be connected to or electrically insulated from the ionizer ground potential, with equal effect.

Abstract: An electronic air filter assembly includes filter media disposed on opposite sides of an electrified charging screen. The filter media and charging screen are held between outer screens. The outer screens are held together in an assembled condition by pressure-sensitive securements and can be pulled apart to disassemble the filter assembly by applying an outer screen-separating force sufficient to overcome the holding force of the securements.

Abstract: A dust collecting apparatus for an air conditioner, including an ionizer to electrically charge dust particles in air; and a metal filter having fine metal fibers, disposed at a predetermined distance from a back of the ionizer, the metal filter having a polarity opposite to that of the charged dust particles to electrically collect the dust particles.

Abstract: An air cleaner electrode assembly includes an elongated collector electrode and a plurality of elongated discharge electrodes arranged around the collector electrode. A fan may move air in a direction parallel to a length of the electrodes. The collector electrode may have a plurality of distinct faces where at least one discharge electrode is associated with a corresponding face. A cleaning shuttle may be configured to ride on and remove debris from the elongated electrodes. A voltage differential across the electrodes and the fan speed may be adjusted independently of each other.

Abstract: A self-supporting, pleated filter, and method of making the same. The method includes forming a plurality of pleats in a filter media that extend along a front face and a rear face. The pleats include a plurality of pleat tips and sloping side surfaces generally perpendicular to the direction of pleating. At least one planar reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating is bonded to the pleat tips on the front face. At least one reinforcing member is positioned along the rear face of the filter media. The filter media is then cut to size. Frame members are applied for some applications. The reinforcing member may be a reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and bonded to the rear face of the filter media prior to the step of forming the plurality of pleats. A second planar reinforcing strip may optionally be bonded to the reinforcing strip pleat tips. The reinforcing member, the first reinforcing strip and the second reinforcing strip can be aligned to form a truss structure.

Abstract: A filter element that comprises a porous molded web 10′ that contains thermally bonded staple fibers 12 and non-thermally bonded electrically charged microfibers 14. The molded web is retained in its molded configuration, at least in part, by bonds between the staple fibers 12 at points of fiber intersection 13. The web may be molded, for example, into the shape of filtering face mask 16.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electret nonwoven filter medium comprising a nonwoven filter web of electrostatically charged fibrillated fibers ultrasonically joined to each other at a plurality of spots distributed across said nonwoven filter web, the total surface occupied by said spots being less than 5% of the surface of said nonwoven filter web and the number of spots per square centimeter being at least 2. The present invention also provides a method of making the electret nonwoven filter medium.

Abstract: An air filter in which a thick sheet of textile of three-dimensionally knitted synthetic fiber thread is sliced at a middle position in a thickness direction and separated into a front face and a rear face. The front face or the rear face is one face side, and many short fibers are protruding from another face side. Further, the air filter is electrified as a whole.

Abstract: A multi-layer air filter is described, including a filter layer which is covered by a prefilter layer on the dust-laden gas side, which has a laid dry electrostatically effective nonwoven fabric, preferably a staple fiber nonwoven fabric, whose area weight is 10 through 100 g/m2. In particular, the filter may be used as a vacuum cleaner bag.

Abstract: An electrostatically charged filter material including a blend of polypropylene fibres and one selected from the group consisting of: halogen free acrylic fibres; polyvinyl chloride fibers or a mixture of halogen free acrylic fibres and polyvinyl chloride fibres.

Abstract: A method for cleaning air and an air cleaner utilizing it are disclosed, by which the air cleaner can be made smaller than the conventional air cleaners when the performances are the same. According to the method of the invention, a filter formed on peripheral portion of a disk is formed along the peripheral portion of the disk so as to surround inside area of the disk is rotated, which filter is bent into wave-shape such that irregularities of the wave are formed in radial direction of the disk, thereby discharging air existing on the inside area of the disk to outside of the disk through the filter.

Abstract: An air purification assembly (10) that is adapted to be used in combination with a vehicle incorporating a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system (100). The assembly (10) consists of three elements: an electrostatic stabilizing filter (12), a membrane filter (32) and an electronic ionizer (40). The three assemblies (12, 32, 40) when operating in combination with the HVAC system (100) substantially absorb unpleasant odors, smoke, dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander and particulate matter produced by a vehicle exhaust emissions.

Abstract: Handrail for variable speed moving walkway which comprises a flexible belt or profile which circulates over the length of the walkway, with a forward stretch and a return stretch. The profile or band is constituted on the basis of fixed length stretches and, optionally, stretches of variable length, alternating and joined to each other. The fixed length stretches have a profile which defines a toothed arrangement which meshes successively with a series of pulling chains which are arranged between the forward and return stretches of the handrail, mounted between toothed wheels and each one moves at a speed different from the adjacent chains.

Abstract: An electrostaticly charged filtration media is provided including a plurality of polymeric structured polymeric film layers having a structured surface defined on at least one face of each structured film layer forming at least in part flow channels. The plurality of structured film layers are configured as a stack with the structured surfaces defining a plurality of ordered inlets open through a face of the stack that are in fluid communication with ordered fluid pathways. Each fluid pathway is defined at least in part by at least one discrete flow channel such that fluid can flow substantially unimpeded from one of the inlets to an outlet opening at another face of the stack. A layer of fluid pathways is defined by two opposing charged film layers at least one of which is a structured film layer. The flow channels have an average height of from 0.1 mm to 5 mm and an average width of from 0.05 mm to 50 mm and an average aspect ratio of from 0.5 to 10.

Abstract: A sintered stainless steel filter is used as the grounded electrode of a point-to-plane electrostatic precipitator. Particles flow through, rather than parallel to, the collection plate. Particle collection efficiency is empirically shown to increase as the charged particles are drawn closer to the grounded filter. The utilization of stainless steel fiber filter provides (1) low particle penetration (high particle collection efficiency) of different particle range, (2) applicability to all different particulate components, (3) high loading capacity but low pressure drop (less energy and maintenance needed), (5) low electric voltage for operating the system, and (6) low cost and small dimension.

Abstract: A system for separating a gaseous constituent from a gaseous mixture includes an ionization chamber, suction plenums separated from the chamber by an anode or a cathode, suction pumps for drawing gas from the plenums, and a throttle valve for controlling the entry of gas into the ionization chamber so as to maintain the chamber at a pressure less than atmospheric. The ionization chamber is bounded by an anode and a cathode, which are separated by a volume for containing the gaseous mixture. When the electrodes are oppositely charged, ions of a gaseous constituent are drawn towards the electrode of opposite polarity to the ions, and away from the other electrode. As ions approach the electrodes, they are collected and sucked though exhaust ports by the pumps.

Abstract: An air filter assembly includes a filter media that is electrostatically charged. The filter media has a first porosity at the inlet side and a second porosity at the outlet side. An electrostatic charge preferably is maintained across the entire filter media to enhance the particle gathering qualities of the media. In one example, multiple layers of filter materials having different porosities are used. In another example, a single filter material having a progressively decreasing porosity is used. One example includes a conductive filter layer that serves as one of the electrodes for the electrostatic field generating portion of the assembly.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a triboelectrically charged nonwoven, wherein a fiber blend made of polyacrylnitrile fibers with a titer of ≦1.7 dtex and of polyolefine fibers with a titer of ≦1.7 dtex is freed from lubricating agents and antistatic agents by washing, is dried down to a moisture content of <1% by weight and is carded on a longitudinal or randomizing card into a triboelectrically charged web with a mass per area unit of 15-80 g/m2. This web is taken off by two simultaneously running rolls and a transfer roll, so that the web is laid on to a conveyor in machine direction, and bonded directly inside a bonding set, the unbonded web being forwarded via 1 to 3 points of transfer only.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and an arrangement for purifying the intake air of a gas turbine of solid particles and liquid droplets. According to the invention air is taken into the system of intake air passages (1, 2, 4) of the gas turbine and the particles contained in the intake air are collected by means of at least one plate filter (3) to which a collection voltage has been connected. In order to enable and enhance collection, the air is taken into at least one charging chamber (2) arranged at a distance prior to the plate filters (3) in the flow direction of the air, where an electric field is formed between at least two electrodes (5, 7) by connecting a voltage between the electrodes which exceeds the collection voltage, whereby powerful charging of the particles and at least partial removal of the water contained in the air are effected.

Abstract: A multi-layer air filter is described, comprising a filter layer which is covered by a prefilter layer on the dust-laden gas side, which has a laid dry electrostatically effective nonwoven fabric, preferably a staple fiber nonwoven fabric, whose area weight is 10 through 100 g/m2. In particular, the filter may be used as a vacuum cleaner bag.

Abstract: A pleated filter is provided with electrically conductive fibrous material that releases ions to improve trapping efficiency. The edges of folded filter media are rendered emitting as by attaching conductive strings to the edges of the folds. The ends of the fibers in the strings are left exposed and, by applying high voltage on these strings, ions may be produced which charge dust particles to improve the filter's efficiency. Alternately, the pleated medium itself provides ion-emitting fiber ends along folded edges that have been rendered conductive.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a triboelectrically charged nonwoven, wherein a fiber blend made of polyacrylnitrile fibers with a titer of ≦1.7 dtex and of polyolefine fibers with a titer of ≦1.7 dtex is freed from lubricating agents and antistatic agents by washing, is dried down to a moisture content of <1% by weight and is carded on a longitudinal or randomizing card into a triboelectrically charged web with a mass per area unit of 15-80 g/m2. This web is taken off by two simultaneously running rolls and a transfer roll, so that the web is laid on to a conveyor in machine direction, and bonded directly inside a bonding set, the unbonded web being forwarded via 1 to 3 points of transfer only.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an improved electrostatic filter medium comprising a web of electret fibers which have been treated with fluorine-containing plasmas at a deposition amount of about 0.03 g/m2 to about 1.5 g/m2; rinsing; and drying prior to being electrically charged. The present invention is further drawn to a method of producing non-woven webs which have been treated with a fluorine-containing plasma at a deposition amount of about 0.03 g/m2 to about 1.5 g/m2; rinsed; and dried prior to electrostatically charging the web.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a filter media for a high efficiency particulate air (“HEPA”) filter including a multiplicity of adjacent electrostatically charged piles of nonwoven fabric. The invention further includes a method of making a HEPA filter.

Abstract: An electronic air cleaner assembly (1) for attachment to an air handling unit AHU (2) of an air-conditioning system has a housing (10) containing a plurality of electrostatic filter cells (20). One side wall (11) of the housing (10) is pivotally mounted to a side (5) of the AHU (2) by hinges (30) and the opposite side wall (12) is releasably attached to the opposite wall (6) of the AHU (2) by a releasable locking device (42,44). Wheels (46) are provided on the housing (10) to assist in moving it from a closed position to an open position which allows access to the heat exchanger coil(s) (4) of the AHU (2). The electrostatic filter cells (20) may be readily removed either through the open front face or through one of the walls of the housing (10) for checking and maintenance.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator has a high voltage electrode including multiple wire segments that are positioned within, a surrounding electrically conductive porous media having a central axis and wherein the electrode assembly extends along the central axis. The electrode assembly has a plurality of wire lengths positioned to extend in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the porous media, and the wire segments being arranged to have a substantially longer total length than the length of extension along the longitudinal axis. An aerosol containing droplets is passed into the interior of the porous media, and across the electrode, which is charged with a high voltage. The porous media is at a substantially lower or different voltage from the high voltage electrodes. Flow of the aerosol containing particles charged by the electrode passes through the porous media to the outlet and the charged particles are precipitated by the porous media.

Abstract: Filter assemblies with adhesive attachment systems are provided. In one embodiment, a filter assembly includes a porous filter member and an adhesive disposed on a reinforcement scrim adhesively attached to at least a portion of at least one major surface of the porous filter member, wherein the reinforcement scrim has discrete open areas. In an alternative embodiment, a filter assembly includes a porous filter member that includes fibrous filter media and an adhesive impregnated into discrete regions of the porous filter member such that there is a substantially continuous adhesive region throughout at least about 25% of the thickness of the porous filter member in the discrete regions.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an improved electrostatic filter medium comprising a web of electret fibers which have been treated with fluorine-containing plasmas at a deposition amount of about 0.03 g/m2 to about 1.5 g/m2; electrostatically charged; rinsed; and dried. The present invention is further drawn to a method of producing non-woven webs which have been treated with a fluorine-containing plasma at a deposition amount of about 0.03 g/m2 to about 1.5 g/m2; electrostatically charged; rinsed; and dried.

Abstract: A pleatable high efficiency non-woven, gas filtration media is provided. The media has an electrically charged air laid fibrous layer with a thickness between about 2 and about 35 mils, and a wet laid fibrous layer having a thickness of between about 5 and about 35 mils. The combined layers have, (a) a thickness of between about 10 and about 50 mils, (b) a stiffness of between about 200 and about 3500 mgs, (c) a Fraizer of between about 10 and about 400 CFM, and (d) an &agr; of at least 15.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and to a device for eliminating the harmful volatile elements, in particular chlorides and/or sulfates, contained in a stream of particle-laden fumes, in which a given fraction of at least 5% of said fumes, referred to as ‘by-passed fumes’, is extracted, the harmful elements of the by-passed fumes are caused to condense, at least with regard to their particles, according to a distribution that is a function of said fraction extracted, and said particles are filtered to isolate said harmful elements. According to the invention, at the time of filtering, said particles are separated into at least two fractions, one with a fine grain size and the other with a coarse grain size, using a separation selectivity adapted to said distribution of the elements in order for said coarse grain size faction to be poor in harmful elements and for said fine grain size fraction to be rich in harmful elements.

Abstract: An air treatment device is adapted to be mounted on and directly supported by an electrical socket. A treatment medium, such as a replaceable electrostatic filter or a replaceable absorber/adsorber, is located at the front of the device. A fan draws air through the medium and particles with a particle size above 0.1 &mgr;m are removed.

Abstract: An electret is described that includes a surface modified polymeric article having surface fluorination produced by fluorinating the polymeric article.

Abstract: A method of separating a low density fly ash fraction from an overall group of fly ash entrained in a gas stream including the steps of passing the gas through a duct having a first area; passing the gas stream from the duct through an expansion nozzle; passing the gas stream through the expansion nozzle and into a hollow body having a second area, whereby the second area is larger than the first area; decelerating the gas stream as it enters the expansion nozzle to separate out low density ash particles; and collecting the low density ash particles from a hopper positioned adjacent the expansion nozzle.

Abstract: An electronic air cleaner assembly (1) for attachment to an air handling unit AHU (2) of an air-conditioning system has a housing (10) containing a plurality of electrostatic filter cells (20). One side wall (11) of the lousing (10) is pivotally mounted to a side (5) of the AHU (2) by hinges (30) and the opposite side wall (12) is releasably attached to the opposite wall (6) of the AHU (2) by a releasable locking device (42,44). Wheels (46) are provided on the housing (10) to assist in moving it from a closed position to an open position which allows access to the heat exchanger coil(s) (4) of the AHU (2). The electrostatic filter cells (20) may be readily removed either through the open front face or through one of the walls of the housing (10) for checking and maintenance.

Abstract: An electronic air cleaner assembly (1) for attachment to an air handling unit AHU (2) of an air-conditioning system has a housing (10) containing a plurality of electrostatic filter cells (20). One side wall (11) of the housing (10) is pivotally mounted to a side (5) of the AHU (2) by hinges (30) and the opposite side wall (12) is releasably attached to the opposite wall (6) of the AHU (2) by a releasable locking device (42,44). Wheels (46) are provided on the housing (10) to assist in moving it from a closed position to an open position which allows access to the heat exchanger coil(s) (4) of the AHU (2). The electrostatic filter cells (20) may be readily removed either through the open front face or through one of the walls of the housing (10) for checking and maintenance.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ionization filter for purifying air that is enriched with dust particles and other inorganic and organic pollutants. The filter has at least one electrically charged emission electrode for producing electrically conductive particles, and at least one passive electrode for collecting the pollutant particles that are in movement in the electric field between the emission electrode and the passive electrode. In accordance with the invention, an extra layer having denaturing properties is placed in the flow path of the pollutant particles that are to be precipitated. This layer is preferably composed of strongly acidic and strongly alkaline layers, or vice versa, with a neutral intermediate layer between layers of different pH values in each case. Micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, spores and/or allergens which move in the electric field of the ionization filter are simultaneously destroyed by this denaturing property.

Abstract: A composite filter for removing particulates entrained in a gas has stack of at least two non-pre-bonded tiers of filter material which are bonded together to form a unitary stratified structure. The tiers can include thermally bindable components such as bicomponent or monocomponent polymer fibers, or adhesively bindable components, such as pulp fibers, especially fluff pulp, split film fibers, mixed electrostatically charged fibers and staple fibers. In addition to vacuum cleaner bags, the novel filter composite can be utilized in applications such as heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, vehicle cabin air filters, high efficiency (so-called “HEPA”) and clean room filters, emission control bag house filters, respirators, surgical face masks and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cleaning of a gaseous fluid from particles being present in the fluid, the gaseous fluid being ionized, i.e. the particles are subjected to a charging, and that the ionized gaseous fluid is brought to pass through a precipitator unit (2) including a filter medium. The invention also relates to a device for cleaning of a gaseous fluid. Filters for cleaning of air often require expensive filter medium and complicated arrangements as regards ionization of the air and charging of the filter medium. The present invention is characterized by an extremely simple method where the air is ionized and then the ionized air is brought to pass through a filter medium of polypropylene.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric filter which comprises emission and separation systems, which are intended for separating particles from a gaseous, particle-containing medium passing through the electric filter, and a filter chamber (1) which surrounds the emission and separation systems and their peripheral devices, the filter chamber (1) comprising a top structure (2), a base structure (3), and a wall structure (4) provided with thermal insulation and sheet metal cladding. The base structure (3) is made of concrete or the like and comprises at least one trough or hopper bottomed tank (5) for separated particles, the wall structure (4) is made of steel and attached to the base structure (3) with a substantially rigid joint (6). The wall structure (4), except for the rigid joint (6), is provided to allow thermal expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A dehumidifier uses high voltage to cause moisture to condense out of an airflow in contact with a series of needles and a screen forming the cathode and anode respectively of a diode structure. Condensate is sucked into small holes in either or both of the needles and/or the screen by a vacuum. Ultra-violet light is applied to reduce the incidence of ozone.