AIR FILTER FOR XEROGRAPHIC PROCESS OFFICE MACHINES

FILTRE A AIR POUR MACHINES DE BUREAU A PROCESSUS XEROGRAPHIQUE

English Abstract

Small particles suspended in the air are becoming increasingly widely known as
causes of ill health and death. Several government reports place the death
toll in
the thousands every year.

These small particles come from a large range of sources, and occur both
inside
and outside buildings. In large, modern office buildings, exterior pollutants
are
largely removed by efficient air filtration mechanisms. Thus, the particles in
this
venue come from interior sources. Experience has shown that one of the major
interior sources is office machines - specifically copiers and printers using
the
xerographic process.1 These machines use fine particles as an integral part of
their process. Once this powder escapes the machine, it is so fine that it
stays
suspended in the air for hours. From that suspended state, it affects the
health of
office workers in the general area.

While it is a fact that the majority of xerographic machines do not release
significant amounts of particles, testing over several years has demonstrated
that
the release of particles does happen with almost all types of xerographic
equipment. It is not limited to one make or model. There is no current way to
predict which xerographic machine will release particles and which will not.

Current xerographic machines do contain filters. However, these filters are
for
ozone control, and are ineffective against particulates.

The objective of this invention is to provide a device to capture escaping
particles
before they can affect nearby staff.

While office and home air cleaners are common, we are not aware of any other
inventions that aim to filter out escaping dust before it can escape the
xerographic machine.

This invention aims to filter one particles originating from xerographic
machines
before they can enter the general room air.


1 The term "xerographic" is used here to refer to the general process whereby
a
powdered toner is fixed to a piece of paper through the applications of
electrical charges and
heat. It is not meant to refer to the specific brand name of photocopiers.
Examples of machines
that may use xerographic processes are photocopiers, laser printers and fax
machines.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege
is
claimed are defined as follows:

1) The use of a generic housing, matched with a fan and filter unit to
eliminate harmful particle emissions from any make of xerographic
machine.

2) The use of a HEPA filter to reduce particle emissions to lowest possible
levels.

Description

CA 02272247 1999-OS-25
Specification
This invention relates to a particle air filter for xerographic office
machines
While it is a fact that the majority of xerographic machines do not release
significant amounts of particles, testing over several years has demonstrated
that
the release of particles does happen with almost all types of xerographic
equipment. It is not limited to one make or model. There is no current way to
predict which xerographic machine will release particles and which will not.
Current,xerographic machines do contain filters. However, these filters are
usually for ozone control, and are ineffective against small particulates.
The objective of this invention is to provide a device to capture particles
escaping
from xerographic machines before they can affect nearby staff.
The invention is an Air Filter for Xerographic Process Office Machines. It is
pictured in the attached sketch.
The filter is designed to be an attachment to any xerographic machine. It is
meant to attach to the side, near one of the heat dissipation ports.
The filter unit consists of:
1) a housing unit, attached to the machine through the use of foam adhesive
tape (the tape provides an air tight seal around the edges)
2) a fan and associated wiring, designed to draw dust-laden air from the
inside of the xerographic machine and push the air through a filter.
3) a HEPAZ filter, to remove virtually all particles emitted by the machine
before they can enter the room air.
The filter unit is independently powered, using a 110 volt outlet. It runs
constantly, and is thus ready to operate whenever the xerographic machine is
required for use.
Tests on the filter unit have demonstrated an ability to reduce particle
emissions
by 98 to virtually 100 per cent.
Although the fan and filter assemblies are standard, the housing comes in
different configurations to match with the different xerographic machine
designs.

Representative Drawing