Gas separation – With means adjustable to control compactness of separating...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-01
2001-12-11
Hopkins, Robert A. (Department: 1724)
Gas separation
With means adjustable to control compactness of separating...
C055S482000, C055S496000, C055S497000, C055S511000, C055S521000, C055SDIG003
Reexamination Certificate
active
06328778
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to filters and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to collapsible filter apparatus for removing particulates from an airstream adapted for use in a paint booth.
Filters, including air filters, are used for a variety of applications. Generally, an air filter fits in a housing and has a filter media which removes undesired particles from a fluid, typically an airstream. Depending on its specific application, the filter media is adapted to remove dust, dirt, paint, fumes and/or other particles.
In paint booths, i.e., paint overspray control or paint arrester applications, a filter is placed in the exhaust airstream of the paint booth or similar structure. Paint spray residual that does not adhere to the article being painted is entrained in the airstream of the exhaust porting from the paint booth. The airstream passes through the filter positioned at an air intake before it is exhausted into the environment.
A few types of filters are commonly used in paint booths and similar applications. One is a rigid, non-collapsible, framed filter. The framed filter is designed to fit snugly in the modular frame of the exhaust airstream of the paint booth. A framed filter typically requires no clips or other additional parts to secure the filter to the modular frame of the paint booth, but does require the use of a rear supporting grid either built into the filter or placed behind the filter in the modular frame to prevent the filter from being drawn through the modular frame into the exhaust duct.
Shipping, storing and disposing non-collapsible framed filters is expensive and burdensome due to the volume of the filters. However, such volume is necessary in an expanded state in order to effectively and efficiently remove and entrain paint from an airstream.
Another type of filter which attempts to overcome these disadvantages is a frameless accordion-type filter media typically manufactured in long sections, i.e., twenty to thirty feet long, and cut to length to fit a particular modular frame of the paint booth. The expandable/collapsible filter medium is formed of paperboard, cardboard and/or honeycomb to create an inexpensive and effective filter means. The collapsible design of these filters greatly reduces the shipping, storage and disposal costs of the filter. However, the filter must be cut and a rear supporting grid typically must be used to secure the filter. Also, clips or wire fasteners must be used to secure the edges of the filter to the modular frame of the air intake.
Another attempt to overcome these disadvantages is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,111 to Spencer, deceased et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. This patent describes a multi-ply expandable filter media formed of honeycomb and a corresponding expandable frame. However, the frame lacks strength because it is not continuous and appears to require the use of a rear supporting grid.
Thus, there is a need for improved filter apparatus which are collapsible, expandable, strong and which do not require the use of clips or a rear supporting grid.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides improved filter apparatus which meet the needs described above.
The invention includes filter apparatus for removing air entrained particulates comprising a collapsible filter media. The filter media has a periphery. A continuous frame extends around and attaches to the periphery of the filter whereby the filter media and attached frame together can be lengthwise collapsed.
The invention also includes a filter apparatus comprising a collapsible filter media. The filter media has a first end substantially parallel to a second end and a top substantially parallel to a bottom. The first and second ends each have an upper portion and a lower portion. The filter apparatus also has a frame for supporting the filter media. The frame has an upper frame member connecting the upper portion of the first end and the upper portion of the second end and spanning the top of the filter media. The frame has a lower frame member connecting the lower portion of the first end to the lower portion of the second end and spanning the bottom of the filter media. The frame has a plurality of fold points located on the upper frame member and on the lower frame member such that the upper frame member and the lower frame member can be folded to collapse the filter media lengthwise between the first end and the second end.
The invention further includes a filter apparatus configurable between a collapsed state and an expanded state. The filter apparatus is a corrugated filter media for removing particulates from an airstream. The filter media has a periphery comprising a first end and a second end, the filter media being collapsible between the first and second ends. The filter apparatus includes a continuous frame for supporting the filter media extending around the periphery of the filter media and connecting to the first end and the second end of the filter media. The frame has a plurality of fold points at which the frame can be folded such that the frame together with the filter media are lengthwise collapsible, whereby an overall height of the filter apparatus in the collapsed state is not significantly greater than the overall height of the filter apparatus in an expanded state.
It is therefore an general object of the present invention to provide improved filter apparatus. Other and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3075337 (1963-01-01), Andreae
patent: 3440807 (1969-04-01), Gaines, Jr.
patent: 3620375 (1971-11-01), Atkins
patent: 4008060 (1977-02-01), Andreae
patent: 5051118 (1991-09-01), Andreae
patent: 5059218 (1991-10-01), Pick
patent: 5145500 (1992-09-01), Nolan, Jr.
patent: 5252111 (1993-10-01), Spencer et al.
patent: 5273564 (1993-12-01), Hill
patent: 5743927 (1998-04-01), Osendorf
patent: 5779747 (1998-07-01), Schlör et al.
patent: 6126707 (2000-10-01), Pitzer
patent: 454584 (1949-02-01), None
patent: 3545422 (1987-07-01), None
Brochure of Andreae Filters, Inc. entitled “Andreae® Standard Andreae® HE+ Andreae® Hydro Filters” (undated but admitted to be prior art).
Lautens Francois
Richerson Shaun
Andreae Filters, Inc.
Hopkins Robert A.
McAfee & Taft
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