Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
LOCALIZED AIR FILTRATION SYSTEM
FIELD OF INVENTION
The invention relates to air filtration systems and more particularly relates
to systems
providing localized filtering for individuals at a table.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
COVID-19 is affecting the entire world due to its high transmission rate. One
of the
known transmission channels is through surface transmission where people touch
contaminated surfaces, then touch their mouth, nose and eyes, allowing the
virus to get
inside the body. This mode of transmission can be prevented by frequent
washing of
hands and by not touching the face. Another transmission channel is through
airborne
viruses inhaled by people. Numerous attempts are being made to control the
airborne
transmission by improving the efficiency of ventilation systems in an attempt
to reduce
the virus content in enclosed rooms. However, the general filtering system
does not
address viruses carried by ventilation air itself. In fact, a strong airstream
from a
ventilator helps spread the viruses from an infected person to nearby
locations. Also, it
does not address local transmission between people who are sitting around a
table
without a mask, such as in indoor restaurants. One attempt employs high
partitions
between tables and air ducts bringing in fresh air and carrying away
contaminated air
between the partitions. This method addresses the draft issue but does not
address the
transmission of viruses between people around the same table.
Thorough filtration of room air against viruses (such as systems used in
laboratories,
hospitals or clean rooms) requires highly powerful fans, which are expensive
and so
noisy as to be incompatible with a quiet dining or working environment. And
even then,
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such systems may not prevent virus transmission between people sitting nearby
without
a mask.
A few attempts have been made to provide personalized or small-area air
filtration,
however, the devices focus on filtering localized air against ambient dust,
odors or
smoke. To the extent that such devices address viruses, the focus in on
filtering
general room air, rather than preventing virus transmission between people
seated
together.
It would be desirable to have a filtration device that draws in and filters
air from a small
area and delivers virus-free filtered air directly to people sitting around a
table while
blowing away or blocking breath air from neighboring individuals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Broadly speaking, the invention provides local air filtration system
strategically placed in
such a way that the filtered air is delivered to people who are sitting around
the table
directly. Since they are breathing in the filtered air, there is very little
danger of virus
infection. Viruses shed from a person at the table will mostly be blown away
from the
table before reaching the person next to him. A small amount of viruses
migrating into
the table area is sucked up by the intake portion of the filtration system,
thus preventing
them from getting to others nearby.
According to a first aspect of the invention, an air purification unit is
provided for
individuals seated at a table. The unit has a unit body adapted to be mounted
at a
mounting height at or above the approximate head height of individuals seated
at the
table, and in a position between the individuals. A motorized fan system is
provided
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within the unit body, which is configured to draw air from at least one inlet
proximate the
bottom of the unit body. A filter is positioned in communication with the
inlet and the fan
system for filtering air drawn through the inlet. The unit body has at least
two ducted
outlets disposed radially or axially for discharging filtered air toward the
individuals, while
preventing cross-flow of breath air between the individuals.
Preferably, the mounting height is at least approximately 2 feet above an
upper surface
of the table.
Preferably, the filter is a HEPA filter. For instance, the filter is
preferably rated H13 or
higher.
The filter may be contained in a releasable filter holder.
In some embodiments, the unit further includes a base for allowing the unit to
be
mounted on a table top. (This may be a portion of or continuous with the
filter holder.)
In some cases, the inlet is provided in the base.
Preferably, the body includes an upper plate and a lower plate. Ducts may be
formed
between the upper and lower plates.
In some embodiments, the unit further includes hangers for hanging the unit
(such as
above a table).
In some embodiments of the unit, the inlet may be provided on a bottom surface
of the
unit body. Other positions of the inlet are possible and contemplated.
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Preferably, the unit further includes vanes to direct air flow. The vanes may
be curved.
The vanes may be adjustable. In addition or in the alternative, at least one
deflector
may be provided to direct air flow downward.
Preferably, the fan system includes a motor of a type selected from the group
consisting
of: AC induction, DC brushed, and DC brushless. The motor may have a speed of
at
least about 500 rpm. In some embodiments, the motor speed is adjustable.
Preferably, the unit further includes a lighting unit disposed on a surface of
the body.
The lighting unit may include at least one LED. The LED may or may not be
programmable. In certain cases, the lighting unit may be programmed to change
an
illumination colour or pattern of the LED when the filter needs changing. The
lighting
unit may include a timer for signalling a filter replacement interval.
According to a second aspect of the invention, an air purification unit is
provided that has
a unit body with an upper plate and a lower plate with an air inlet. A
motorized fan
system is disposed at least in part between the upper plate and the lower
plate. A series
of ducts is formed between the upper plate and lower plate. A releasable
filter unit is
provided in communication with the air inlet and including a HEPA filter. The
fan system
draws air through the filter and discharges filtered air radially or axially
outward from the
ducts in the unit body, with each duct directing a flow of filtered air in a
plane different
from that of the air inlet. In one embodiment, the unit body is circular (or
otherwise
substantially symmetrical across one or more axes). Other shapes and
configurations
are possible.
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Note that in some embodiments, the motorized fan system is disposed completely
between the upper and lower plates, while in others, the fan itself may be
buried in the
lower plate. The upper and lower plates need not have a planar shape but may
be more
contoured in a bowl-shaped or pan-shaped arrangement to accommodate portions
of the
.. motorized fan system and support the desired shape of the ducts.
According to a third aspect of the invention, an air purification unit is
provided that has a
unit body with an upper plate and a lower plate with an air inlet. A motorized
fan system
is disposed at least in part between the upper plate and the lower plate. A
series of
ducts is formed between the upper plate and lower plate. A releasable filter
unit is
provided in communication with the air inlet and includes a replaceable filter
cartridge. A
lighting unit is provided disposed on an underside of the lower plate. The fan
system
draws air through the filter and discharges filtered air radially or axially
outward from the
ducts in the unit body, while the lighting unit provides general illumination
in an
illumination colour. In one embodiment, the unit body is circular (or
otherwise
substantially symmetrical across one or more axes). Other shapes and
configurations
are possible.
The lighting unit may include at least one LED. In a simple embodiment, the
LED may
be a single color LED. In other cases, one or more programmable LEDs may be
used,
which may be programmed to change illumination colour when the filter
cartridge needs
changing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from reading a
detailed
description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an embodiment of an axial fan air purification
unit hanging
over a table.
FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an upper view of the axial fan air purification
unit.
FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a lower view of the axial fan air purification
unit.
FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a cross section view of the axial fan air
purification unit.
FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an embodiment of a radial fan air purification
unit hanging
over a table.
FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an upper view of the radial fan air purification
unit.
FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a lower view of the radial fan air purification
unit.
FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a cross section view of the radial fan air
purification unit.
FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the axial fan air purification unit sitting on a
table.
FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a cross section view of the axial fan air
purification unit of
FIG. 9.
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FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the radial fan air purification unit sitting on a
table.
FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a cross section view of the radial fan air
purification of FIG.
11.
FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an embodiment of a two directional axial fan air
purification
unit hanging over a table.
FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a view of the two directional axial fan air
purification unit.
FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a cross section view of the two directional fan
air
purification unit.
FIG. 16 is a drawing showing the two directional radial fan air purification
unit hanging
over a table.
FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a view of the two directional radial fan air
purification unit.
FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a cross section view of the two directional
radial fan air
purification unit.
FIG. 19 is a drawing showing an embodiment using a draft detection disc.
FIG. 20 is a drawing showing an embodiment using curved vanes.
FIG. 21 is a drawing showing an embodiment using hinged vane deflectors.
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FIG. 22 is a drawing showing an embodiment using a separate air deflector
attachment.
FIG. 23 is a drawing showing an embodiment using a sliding air deflector.
FIG. 24 is a drawing showing an embodiment using a rotational air deflector.
FIG. 25 is a drawing showing an embodiment using a power control knob on an
axial air
purification unit.
FIG. 26 is a drawing showing an embodiment using a ring lighting unit mounted
under
the axial fan air filtration unit.
The present concept is best described through certain embodiments thereof,
which are
described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like
reference
numerals refer to like features throughout. It is to be understood that the
term invention,
when used herein, is intended to connote the inventive concept underlying the
embodiments described below and not merely the embodiments themselves. It is
to be
understood further that the general inventive concept is not limited to the
illustrated
embodiments described below and the following description should be read in
such light.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As described herein, local air filtration system can be strategically placed
in such a way
that the filtered air is delivered to people who are sitting around a table
directly. Since
they are breathing in filtered air, there is very little danger of virus
infection. Viruses
shed from a person at the table will mostly be blown away from the table
before reaching
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the person next to him. A small amount of viruses migrating into the table
area is
sucked up by the intake portion of the filtration system, thus preventing them
from
getting to others nearby.
An advantage of the present invention is that the air intake is proximate to
the bottom of
the device. Either in tabletop configuration or hanging above a table, the low
position of
the air intake allows a very efficient capture of breath air, as it is close
to the mouths of
the individuals seated at the table. However, the air outlet(s) is in a
different plane
(above, laterally offset) from the air intake, thereby allowing the filtered
air to be directed
toward the individuals, rather than sucked right back into the unit.
This is contrary to devices that tend to pull air from above (e.g. smoky air
which may be
accumulated near the ceiling).
Further, the low position of the air intake can be paired with a filter unit
at the bottom of
the device as well. One of the advantages of a filter at the bottom is that it
prevents dust
from settling on the surface of the filter. A top mounted filter will tend to
catch dust from
the ambient air, shortening the life of the filter significantly. An
accessible filter at the
bottom of the device also makes the filter more readily accessible for
replacement or
maintenance.
Since this system provides controlled air locally, there is no need to put up
a partition
between tables as being practiced in some restaurants, offices, and meeting
rooms.
With the cost effective construction of this device, a safer environment is
created without
exorbitant cost for partitions or a sophisticated HVAC filtering system.
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Various embodiments of such an air purification system are described. Two
broad
categories of the embodiments use axial or radial fan assemblies.
In one option, the fan is an axial design to bring the air from the bottom of
the unit
through a filter and delivers it into the duct formed between two housings. In
this case,
the upper housing may have a curved circular surface with a smaller radius
near the
center which joins with a curved surface with a much larger radius. The lower
housing
may also have a curved surface with a much smaller radius near where it meets
the top
of the fan unit and a much larger radius curved surface joining the inner
surface and the
outer extreme of the housing. These housings may be shaped in such a way that
the
upward moving filtered air is redirected sideways and somewhat downward. Other
shapes of upper and lower plates may be used (e.g. non-curved configurations).
In another option, the fan is a radial design. The air comes in from the
bottom through a
filter in the same way, but the air is exhausted in a radial direction. Unlike
conventional
radial fans, the housing is not designed to gather air to deliver it from one
port. Instead,
the air is delivered in all directions evenly.
In addition, in both cases, a series of curved vanes can be molded in the top
or bottom
housings. The air coming out of the fan is moving in a circular motion. These
curved
vanes redirect the circular air movement, in such a way that the air comes out
of the
device predominantly in radial direction. This ensures that the filtered air
coming out of
the device does not continue moving in a circular direction. If this circular
air movement
exists, the exhaled air from one person is moved to another person sitting
next to him,
thus creating the possibility of causing transmission of viruses.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-07
The fan unit may be particularly suitable for round or square tables due to
the round
symmetrical design. In order to serve oblong tables, the entire fan unit may
be raised so
that the filtered air can reach the people sitting at far end of the table. In
such
embodiments, air deflector vanes may be provided to redirect air downward to
reach
people along long sides of the table. The deflector vanes may be positioned at
the outer
edge of the upper housing. The vanes may be made of a spring steel to prevent
losing
the good grip. Multiple vanes may be positioned strategically around the
perimeter.
These vanes are used to direct the air downward to people sitting closer to
the air supply
unit while other vanes not bent down provide air flow at a shallow angle to
reach people
at the far end of the table. While it is directing the air downward in this
manner, the
volume of the air is also reduced to avoid excessive air flow in that
direction. The vanes
are also used when more than one unit is placed end to end to cover a longer
table. The
vanes located facing the adjacent units can be lowered to cut down the air
flow to
minimize excessive interference with the air flow from the next unit. These
are just some
examples of how the air output may be sculpted to particularly reach and
provide
coverage to individuals seated around various shapes of table.
In another embodiment, separate deflectors may be provided to clip onto the
outer edge
of the top duct cover. The wedge shaped deflector redirects the airflow,
pointing more
downward accomplishing the same effect as the vanned design. Some deflectors
are
designed to block the air almost completely to make it suitable for end to end
installation
of the fan units.
In other embodiments, sliding barriers or rotational vanes may be positioned
inside the
duct, to control the airflow in a certain direction.
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A light ring can be attached to the bottom surface of the housing. For
example, this may
be equipped with a series of RGB LED's to allow change of colors. A light ring
can
provide a desired amount of light onto the table in the color suitable for the
ambient, thus
functioning as a table top lamp.
Preferably, the air filter is a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air filter)
filter cartridge unit
readily available commercially. It is held in a filter holder and positioned
directly below
the fan unit. The filter holder may have two opposing latches which engage the
side of
the lower housing to keep it in place. The latches have a tab, which can be
held by
fingers. The latches can be pulled outward in opposing directions, so that the
forces are
balanced in such a way that the filter unit can be removed easily even when
the entire
device is unstable hanging from the ceiling.
In order to ensure that the replacement of the filter is done in a timely
manner, the light
ring at the bottom of the housing may be activated by a built-in timer and
flashes or turns
the color red, alerting the establishment operators that it is time to replace
the filter.
The speed control switch is mounted on the side or top of the device.
Depending on the
size of the table, the fan speed may be adjusted to ensure that the filtered
air reaches
the people around the table and at the same time, it is not too strong to make
it
uncomfortable for the diners.
The device is preferably positioned at or above the approximate head height of
persons
sitting at the table. For example, it may be positioned at least approximately
2 feet
above a table to provide clearance for visual contact across the persons
sitting around
the table. The filtered air comes out of the housing and is delivered to the
persons
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sitting around the table, allowing them to breathe filtered air as long as
they sit around
the table. In some cases, one or more persons sitting around the table are
infected and
shed viruses. Much of these viruses are carried away from the table by the
filtered air
rather than lingering around. Also, some viruses which wander into the table
area are
sucked into the device and filtered. As a result, people who are sitting
around the table
are not exposed to airborne viruses even without a mask, thus keeping them
safe.
At times in such environments, there is a strong draft from the building HVAC
unit. If it is
strong enough, this can potentially overcome the airflow from the device and
result in the
viruses from an infected person around the table to reach others around the
table.
Therefore, it may be preferred to monitor for room draft to ensure that the
localized air
purification system is not at cross-purposes with the HVAC draft. To overcome
this
concern, a piece of very flexible string may be provided at the center of the
bottom filter
housing and a small flat disc is attached at the bottom end approx. one foot
above the
table. If there is a significant draft, this disc hanging from the string will
rotate and sway,
indicating presence of a draft. The string is flexible enough and the disc is
flat, so even
when the filter unit is taken down for service, there is no danger of damage.
Alternatively, a hot wire anemometer in place of the disc may be employed to
monitor
the velocity of the air and activate the lamp to flash or be turned red to
indicate
undesirable draft.
Furthermore a microphone can be employed on the disk to monitor the sound
level of
the environment. When the sound level reached a certain level indicating that
someone
at the table is speaking too loud, it triggers the fan to increase its speed
to compensate
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for the velocity of aerosols coming out of the mouth of that person. This
minimizes the
danger of aerosols reaching others on the table and infecting others.
This invention can be easily scaled up or down to suit the size of the table.
As well, the
.. shape of the housing can be adjusted to deliver the filtered air to even
more localized
areas if so desired. A particular version of the invention is designed to
serve people
sitting across a table with filtered air.
These are just some of the operational examples and considerations for an air
.. purification unit of this type. Turning now to the drawings, details of the
illustrated
embodiments will be outlined.
With reference to FIG. 1 a view, 1, of an axial fan air filtration unit, 2, is
shown hanging
over a table, 3. The air flow, 5, into the axial fan air filtration unit, 2,
is shown entering at
the bottom, while the air flow, 4, is shown exiting the axial fan air
filtration unit, 2, in a
radial direction. Any people sitting around the table, 3, would have the
filtered air flow, 4,
blown at them.
With reference to FIG. 2 an upper detailed view of an axial fan air filtration
unit, 2, is
shown. The axial fan air filtration unit, 2, consists of the following items;
hangers, 10, an
upper plate, 11, a lower plate, 12, and vanes, 13. The output ducts, 15, are
formed by
the upper plate, 11, the lower plate, 12, and the vanes, 13. The filter
holder, 14, is shown
at the bottom of the axial fan air filtration unit, 2, with the air flow, 5,
entering thru the
bottom of the filter holder, 14. The air flow, 4, is shown exiting the axial
fan air filtration
.. unit, 2, in a radial direction from the output ducts, 15.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-07
With reference to FIG. 3 a lower detailed view of an axial fan air filtration
unit, 2, is
shown. The axial fan air filtration unit, 2, consists of the following items;
hangers, 10, an
upper plate, 11, a lower plate, 12, and vanes, 13. The output ducts, 15, are
formed by
the upper plate, 11, the lower plate, 12, and the vanes, 13. The filter
holder, 14, with a
grill, 20, is shown at the bottom of the axial fan air filtration unit, 2. The
filter holder, 14,
attaches to the bottom of the axial fan air filtration unit, 2, using the
clips, 22, that engage
a groove, 21. The height of the filter holder, 14, can be of any value
including the
situation where the filter holder, 14, is a flat plate. The attachment method
of the filter
holder, 14, is shown using the clips, 22, that engage a groove, 21, however
many other
attachment methods are possible, such as, screw threads, a bayonet mount, etc.
With reference to FIG. 4 a cross-section detailed view, 25, of the axial fan
air filtration
unit, 2, of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is shown. The axial fan air filtration unit, 2,
consists of the
following items; hangers, 10, an upper plate, 11, a lower plate, 12, and
vanes, 13. The
filter holder, 14, with a grill, 20, is shown at the bottom of the axial fan
air filtration unit, 2.
The filter holder, 14, with its grill, 20, attaches to the bottom of the axial
fan air filtration
unit, 2, using the clips, 22, that engage a groove, 21, and contains the air
filter, 29. The
air filter, 29, can filter out viruses including COVID-19 as long as it can
catch particles of
a small enough size, HEPA filters rated as H13 or higher can do this. Also
shown in this
figure are: the motor housing, 26, and the motor rotor, 27, which is attached
to the axial
fan, 28. The air flow, 5, into the filter, 29, through the grill, 20, as well
as the air flow, 4,
leaving the axial fan air filtration unit, 2, is shown.
HEPA filters are preferred for the embodiments of the air purification systems
described
herein. There are several types of HEPA filters. The most typical ones used
for portable
and small filter units are round with filter membranes folded multiple times
to provide a
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-07
large surface area. Another type uses a corrugated filter membrane which is
wrapped
around in a cylindrical form. Another type uses square filter panels with a
membrane
folded many times. Various types of filter media could be used and/or adapted
for the
present invention.
With reference to FIG. 5 a view, 35, of a radial fan air filtration unit, 36,
is shown hanging
over a table, 3. The air flow, 5, into the radial fan air filtration unit, 2,
is shown entering at
the bottom, while the air flow, 4, is shown exiting the radial fan air
filtration unit, 36, in a
radial direction. Any people sitting around the table, 3, would have the
filtered air flow, 4,
blown at them.
With reference to FIG. 6 an upper detailed view of a radial fan air filtration
unit, 36, is
shown. The radial fan air filtration unit, 36, consists of the following
items; hangers, 40,
an upper plate, 41, a lower plate, 42, and vanes, 43. The output ducts, 44,
are formed by
the upper plate, 41, the lower plate, 42, and the vanes, 43. The filter
holder, 45, is shown
at the bottom of the radial fan air filtration unit, 36, with the air flow, 5,
entering thru the
bottom of the filter holder, 45. The air flow, 4, is shown exiting the radial
fan air filtration
unit, 36, in a radial direction from the output ducts, 44.
With reference to FIG. 7 a lower detailed view of a radial fan air filtration
unit, 36, is
shown. The radial fan air filtration unit, 36, consists of the following
items; hangers, 40,
an upper plate, 41, a lower plate, 42, and vanes, 43. The output ducts, 44,
are formed by
the upper plate, 41, the lower plate, 42, and the vanes, 43. The filter
holder, 45, with a
grill, 48, is shown at the bottom of the radial fan air filtration unit, 36.
The filter holder, 45,
attaches to the bottom of the radial fan air filtration unit, 36, using the
clips, 47, that
engage a groove, 46. The height of the filter holder, 45, can be of any value
including the
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-07
situation where the filter holder, 45, is a flat plate. The attachment method
of the filter
holder, 45, is shown using the clips, 47, that engage a groove, 46, however
many other
attachment methods are possible, such as, screw threads, a bayonet mount, etc.
With reference to FIG. 8 a cross-section detailed view, 50, of the radial fan
air filtration
unit, 36, of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 is shown. The radial fan air filtration unit,
36, consists of the
following items; hangers, 40, an upper plate, 41, a lower plate, 42, and
vanes, 43. The
filter holder, 45, with a grill, 49, is shown at the bottom of the radial fan
air filtration unit,
36. The filter holder, 45, with its grill, 49, attaches to the bottom of the
radial fan air
filtration unit, 36, using the clips, 47, that engage a groove, 46, and
contains the air filter,
48. The air filter, 48, can filter out viruses including COVID-19 as long as
it can catch
particles of a small enough size, HEPA filters rated as H13 or higher can do
this. Also
shown in this figure are: the motor housing, 26, and the motor rotor, 27,
which is
attached to the radial fan assembly consisting of the vanes, 51. And the air
flow guide,
52. The air flow, 5, into the filter, 48, through the grill, 49, as well as
the air flow, 4,
leaving the axial fan air filtration unit, 36, is shown.
With reference to FIG. 9 a view, 60, of an axial fan air filtration unit, 61,
is shown sitting
on a table, 3. The air flow, 5, into the axial fan air filtration unit, 61, is
shown entering at
the bottom, while the air flow, 4, is shown exiting the axial fan air
filtration unit, 61, in a
radial direction. Any people sitting around the table, 3, would have the
filtered air flow, 4,
blown at them.
With reference to FIG. 10 a cross-section detailed view, 65, of the axial fan
air filtration
unit, 61, of FIG. 9 is shown. The axial fan air filtration unit, 61, consists
of the following
items; an upper plate, 11, a lower plate, 12, and vanes, 13, and a filter
holder/stand, 67.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-07
The filter/stand holder, 67, with air intake holes, 66, is shown at the bottom
of the axial
fan air filtration unit, 61. The filter holder/stand, 67, with its air intake
holes, 66, attaches
to the bottom of the axial fan air filtration unit, 61, using the clips, 22,
that engage a
groove, 21, and contains the air filter, 29. The air filter, 29, can filter
out viruses including
COVID-19 as long as it can catch particles of a small enough size, HEPA
filters rated as
H13 or higher can do this. Also shown in this figure are: the motor housing,
26, and the
motor rotor, 27, which is attached to the axial fan, 28. The air flow, 5, into
the filter, 29,
through the air intake holes, 66, as well as the air flow, 4, leaving the
axial fan air
filtration unit, 61, is shown.
With reference to FIG. 11 a view, 70, of a radial fan air filtration unit, 71,
is shown sitting
on a table, 3. The air flow, 5, into the radial fan air filtration unit, 71,
is shown entering at
the bottom, while the air flow, 4, is shown exiting the radial fan air
filtration unit, 71, in a
radial direction. Any people sitting around the table, 3, would have the
filtered air flow, 4,
blown at them.
With reference to FIG. 12 a cross-section detailed view, 72, of the radial fan
air filtration
unit, 71, of FIG. 11 is shown. The radial fan air filtration unit, 71,
consists of the following
items; an upper plate, 41, a lower plate, 42, and vanes, 43, and a filter
holder/stand, 67.
The filter/stand holder, 67, with air intake holes, 66, is shown at the bottom
of the radial
fan air filtration unit, 71. The filter holder/stand, 67, with its air intake
holes, 66, attaches
to the bottom of the radial fan air filtration unit, 71, using the clips, 47,
that engage a
groove, 46, and contains the air filter, 48. The air filter, 48, can filter
out viruses including
COVID-19 as long as it can catch particles of a small enough size, HEPA
filters rated as
H13 or higher can do this. Also shown in this figure are: the motor housing,
26, and the
motor rotor, 27, which is attached to the radial fan assembly consisting of
the vanes, 51,
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-07
and the air flow guide, 52. The air flow, 5, into the filter, 48, through the
air intake holes,
66, as well as the air flow, 4, leaving the axial fan air filtration unit, 71,
is shown.
With reference to FIG. 13 a view, 75, of an axial fan air filtration unit, 78,
is shown
hanging over a two person table, 77. The air flow, 5, into the axial fan air
filtration unit,
78, is shown entering at the bottom, while the air flow, 4, is shown exiting
the axial fan
air filtration unit, 76, in a radial direction. Two people sitting across the
table, 77, would
have the filtered air flow, 4, blown at them.
With reference to FIG. 14 an upper detailed view of the axial fan air
filtration unit, 78 of
FIG. 13 is shown. The axial fan air filtration unit, 78, consists of the
following items;
hangers, 10, an upper plate, 81, a side plates, 82, a lower plate, 83, and the
vanes, 85.
The output ducts, 84, are formed by the upper plate, 81, the side plates, 82,
lower plate,
83, and the vanes, 85. The filter holder, 14, is shown at the bottom of the
axial fan air
filtration unit, 76, with the air flow, 5, entering thru the bottom of the
filter holder, 14. The
air flow, 4, is shown exiting the axial fan air filtration unit, 76, in a
radial direction from the
output ducts, 84.
With reference to FIG. 15 a cross-section detailed view, 90, of the axial fan
air filtration
unit, 76, of FIG. 14 is shown. The axial fan air filtration unit, 76, consists
of the following
items; hangers, 10, an upper plate, 81, a lower plate, 82, side plate, 85, and
vanes, 83.
The filter holder, 14, with a grill, 20, is shown at the bottom of the axial
fan air filtration
unit, 76. The filter holder, 14, with its grill, 20, attaches to the bottom of
the axial fan air
filtration unit, 76, using the clips, 22, that engage a groove, 21, and
contains the air filter,
29. The air filter, 29, can filter out viruses including COVID-19 as long as
it can catch
particles of a small enough size, HEPA filters rated as H13 or higher can do
this. Also
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-07
shown in this figure are: the motor housing, 26, and the motor rotor, 27,
which is
attached to the axial fan, 28. The air flow, 5, into the filter, 29, through
the grill, 20, as
well as the air flow, 4, leaving the axial fan air filtration unit, 76, is
shown.
With reference to FIG. 16 a view, 95, of a radial fan air filtration unit, 96,
is shown
hanging over a two person table, 77. The air flow, 5, into the radial fan air
filtration unit,
96, is shown entering at the bottom, while the air flow, 4, is shown exiting
the radial fan
air filtration unit, 96, in a radial direction. Two people sitting across the
table, 77, would
have the filtered air flow, 4, blown at them.
With reference to FIG. 17 an upper detailed view of the radial fan air
filtration unit, 96 of
FIG. 16 is shown. The radial fan air filtration unit, 96, consists of the
following items;
hangers, 40, an upper plate, 97, a side plates, 101, a lower plate, 98, and
the vanes, 99.
The output ducts, 100, are formed by the upper plate, 97, the side plates,
101, lower
plate, 98, and the vanes, 99. The filter holder, 45, is shown at the bottom of
the radial fan
air filtration unit, 96, with the air flow, 5, entering thru the bottom of the
filter holder, 45.
The air flow, 4, is shown exiting the radial fan air filtration unit, 96, in a
radial direction
from the output ducts, 100.
With reference to FIG. 18 a cross-section detailed view, 105, of the radial
fan air filtration
unit, 96, of FIG. 17 is shown. The radial fan air filtration unit, 96,
consists of the following
items; hangers, 40, an upper plate, 97, a lower plate, 98, and vanes, 99. The
filter
holder, 45, with a grill, 49, is shown at the bottom of the radial fan air
filtration unit, 96.
The filter holder, 45, with its grill, 49, attaches to the bottom of the
radial fan air filtration
unit, 96, using the clips, 47, that engage a groove, 46, and contains the air
filter, 48. The
air filter, 48, can filter out viruses including COVID-19 as long as it can
catch particles of
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-07
a small enough size, HEPA filters rated as H13 or higher can do this. Also
shown in this
figure are: the motor housing, 26, and the motor rotor, 27, which is attached
to the radial
fan assembly consisting of the vanes, 51, and the air flow guide, 52. The air
flow, 5, into
the filter, 48, through the grill, 49, as well as the air flow, 4, leaving the
radial fan air
filtration unit, 96, is shown.
With reference to FIG. 19 a view, 110, of an axial fan air filtration unit, 2,
is shown along
with a draft indication device consisting of a disc, 112, hanging from a
thread, 111, that
is attached to the bottom of the axial fan air filtration unit, 2. The
presence of an air draft
will cause the disc, 112, to move to one side, giving a visual indication that
a draft is
present.
With reference to FIG. 20 a view, 115, of a method to remove circular flow
from the axial
or radial fan filtration units, 2 and 36, of FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 is shown. The
circular rotation
of the air, 116, is corrected by the curved vanes, 117, producing radial
airflow, 118.
With reference to FIG. 21 a view, 120, of a method to provide variable air
flow deflection
of the axial or radial fan filtration units, 2 and 36, of FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 is
shown. A portion
of the periphery of the upper plate, 121, is cut away to allow the presence of
a vane,
124, that can be moved up and down, 123, via a hinge, 122. While only one
vane, 124,
is shown there can be several vanes, 124, around the periphery of the upper
plate, 121.
With reference to FIG. 22 three views, 22A, B, and C, of a method of providing
additional downward air deflection are shown. In view A, the unit, 125,
consists of an
upper plate, 126, a lower plate, 127, an insert, 128, and attachment hooks,
129. In view
B, a cross section through the unit, 130, is shown. And in view C a detailed
view, 131, of
21
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-07
the air exit area is shown, with the pre insert, 128, air flow, 132, shown
along with the
post insert, 128, air flow, 133, being more downwardly deflected.
Various types of downward deflectors are possible. For simplicity, multiple
deflectors
.. could also be ganged and controlled as one. Likewise, multiple vanes may be
controlled
together.
With reference to FIG. 23 the view, 135, shows a method of blocking the air
flow in
various directions for the axial or radial fan filtration units, 2 and 36, of
FIG. 1 and FIG. 5.
While only 2 blocking vanes, 137 and 138, are shown they could extend all
around
bottom plate, 136, in a circular fashion. These blocking vanes, 137 and 138,
can be
moved up and down using the tabs, 140, moving in the guides, 139. Blocking
vane, 137,
is shown in the down position allowing full air flow, while blocking vane,
138, is shown in
the up position, blocking air flow.
With reference to FIG. 24 the view, 145, shows a method of directing air flow
coming out
of the openings between the upper plate, 146, and the lower plate, 147, using
the guide
vanes, 148. These guide vanes, 148, are mounted on shafts connected to knobs,
149,
that can be turned to angle the guide vanes, 148, thereby changing the air
flow direction.
With reference to FIG. 25 the view, 150, shows a control knob, 152, mounted on
the side
of an axial fan air filtration unit, 2. This knob, 152, controls the
electrical power to the
motor, either in an on/off fashion or as a variable speed control.
With reference to FIG. 26 the view, 160, shows the axial fan air filtration
unit, 2, with a
ring lighting unit, 161, mounted to the lower portion of it. Individual
lights, 162, which
22
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-07
could be incandescent bulbs or LEDs are shown. This ring lighting unit can be
used to
illuminate a table under the axial fan air filtration unit, 2, or can be used
to signal the filter
status, etc. Optionally, a diffuser component may be attached to direct the
light (not
shown).
Practical implementation may include any or all of the features described
herein. These
and other aspects, features and various combinations may be expressed as
methods,
systems, products, kits, and in other ways, combining the features described
herein. A
number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood
that
various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the
processes and techniques described herein. In addition, other steps can be
provided, or
steps can be eliminated, from the described processes, and other components
can be
added to, or removed from, the described product. Accordingly, other
embodiments are
within the scope of the claims.
Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word
"comprise",
"include" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited
to" and
they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components, integers or
steps.
Throughout this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the
context
requires otherwise. In particular, wherein the indefinite article is used, the
specification
is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless
the context
requires otherwise.
23
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-07
