US5240478A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-contained, portable room air treatment apparatus and method therefore
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1992-06-26
•
Granted: 1993-08-31
•
Expires: 2012-06-26
Abstract
Abstract A self-contained, portable air purification device is designed to continuously cleanse airborne particulates which include infectious respiratory organisms such as tuberculosis bacilla. Contaminated air is drawn into the device about 360° from the breathing or working zone to capture the airborne infectious respiratory organisms. The airborne microbial particulates are extracted by a high efficiency particulate air filter capable of eliminating 99.97% of all airborne particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger. The filter is permanently sealed within a filter cube that is disposable in its entirety for replacement purposes. The filter cube is releasably secured within the device to provide a leak-free air tight seal eliminating any potential air bypass. Clean filtered air is discharged at the bottom of the device in a 360° circumference to create a recirculating flow pattern that effectively eliminates airborne particulate while diluting the air within the room with clean filtered air on a continuous basis. The device is designed to operate at various capacity levels depending upon the size of the room to be treated. When adjusted to its mid range operating level, the device will provide the average size room with more than five times the air changes as recommended by the Center for Disease Control.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary D. Messina
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 22:03
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D46/00; B01D46/0027; B01D46/0028; A; A62; A62B; A62B11/00; B01D46/0038; B01D46/52; B01D46/521; B01D46/522; B01D46/54; B01D46/88; B01D2273/00; B01D2273/30; B01D2279/00; B01D2279/65
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 38
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
A method for the treatment of contaminated air using a self-contained room air treatment apparatus, said method comprising drawing contaminated air flow at a first elevation from the surrounding environment into a first housing within said apparatus, filtering contaminating matter from said contaminated air flow by drawing contaminated air flow through an air filter assembly containing an air filter to provide clean filtered air, discharging said clean filtered air from a second housing within said apparatus into said surrounding environment at a second elevation below said first elevation, said air filter assembly being releasably secured to aid first and second housings, and periodically replacing said air filter assembly containing said air filter as an integral unit by another one of said air filter assembly upon detaching from said first and second housings.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
132 words
A method for the treatment of contaminated air using a self-contained room air treatment apparatus, said method comprising drawing contaminated air flow at a first elevation from the surrounding environment into a first housing within said apparatus, filtering contaminating matter from said contaminated air flow by drawing contaminated air flow through an air filter assembly containing an air filter to provide clean filtered air, discharging said clean filtered air from a second housing within said apparatus into said surrounding environment at a second elevation below said first elevation, said air filter assembly being releasably secured to aid first and second housings, and periodically replacing said air filter assembly containing said air filter as an integral unit by another one of said air filter assembly upon detaching from said first and second housings.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1, comprising drawing contaminated air flow from the surrounding environment radially about 360°.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
17 words
The method claim of 2, comprising discharging clean filtered air into said surrounding environment radially about 360°.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
30 words
The method claim of 2, comprising discharging clean filtered air into said surrounding environment at said second elevation adjacent a surface supporting said apparatus in the environment to be treated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
179 words
A self-contained room air treatment apparatus comprising a first housing having contaminated air inlet means arranged at a first elevation for drawing contaminated air flow thereinto, an air filter assembly secured at one end thereof to said first housing in air flow communications with said air inlet means, an air filter secured within said air filter assembly, a second housing having clean air outlet means arranged at a second elevation below said first elevation in air flow communications with said air filter assembly for discharging clean air flow radially therefrom, said air filter assembly releasably secured at another end thereof to said second housing, and blower means within said second housing arranged between said air filter and said air outlet means for drawing contaminated air at said first elevation through said air inlet means and said air filter assembly and discharging clean air radially through aid air outlet means at said second elevation, said air filter being replaceable along with said air filter assembly as a unit upon detaching said air filter assembly at least from said second housing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
179 words
A self-contained room air treatment apparatus comprising a first housing having contaminated air inlet means arranged at a first elevation for drawing contaminated air flow thereinto, an air filter assembly secured at one end thereof to said first housing in air flow communications with said air inlet means, an air filter secured within said air filter assembly, a second housing having clean air outlet means arranged at a second elevation below said first elevation in air flow communications with said air filter assembly for discharging clean air flow radially therefrom, said air filter assembly releasably secured at another end thereof to said second housing, and blower means within said second housing arranged between said air filter and said air outlet means for drawing contaminated air at said first elevation through said air inlet means and said air filter assembly and discharging clean air radially through aid air outlet means at said second elevation, said air filter being replaceable along with said air filter assembly as a unit upon detaching said air filter assembly at least from said second housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said air inlet means includes a plurality of openings for drawing contaminated air flow radially thereinto about 360°, and said air outlet means includes a plurality of openings for discharging clean air flow radially therefrom about 360°.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said air filter assembly comprises an outer housing providing a filter chamber and said air filter contained within an inner housing, said inner housing permanently sealed within said filter chamber to said outer housing.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said outer housing includes an L-shaped flange circumscribing one end thereof for receiving one end of said inner housing in sealed relationship.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said blower means includes said second housing having an L-shaped flange circumscribing one end thereof for receiving said L-shaped flange of said outer housing of said air filter assembly in sealed relationship.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said outer housing and said inner housing are constructed of combustible material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said blower means includes said second housing divided into an upper chamber and a lower chamber in air flow communications therewith, and impeller means within said lower chamber for drawing contaminated air through said air inlet means and discharging clean air radially through said air outlet means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said air outlet means includes a plurality of openings within said second housing arranged 360° about said impeller means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 11, further including a plurality of ultraviolet lamps within said upper chamber underlying said air filter assembly.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said air filter is replaceable with said air filter assembly as an integral unit by another one of said air filter assembly.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said air filter assembly is releasably secured to said first housing for detachment therefrom upon replacement of said air filter assembly.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said first housing comprises a cap having a plurality of openings releasably secured to said air filter assembly.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
152 words
A self-contained, portable room air treatment apparatus comprising contaminated air inlet means for drawing contaminated air flow thereinto, a disposable air filter assembly releasably secured at one end thereof to said air inlet means in air flow communications therewith, said air filter assembly comprising an outer housing providing a filter chamber and an air filter permanently sealed to said outer housing within said filter chamber, a blower unit releasably secured to said air filter assembly at the other end thereof in air flow communications therewith, said blower unit including clean air outlet means for discharging clean air flow therefrom and blower means for drawing contaminated air through said air inlet means and said air filter and discharging clean air through said air outlet means, said air filter assembly replaceable as an integral unit by another one of said air filter assemblies upon detachment from said air inlet means and said blower unit.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
152 words
A self-contained, portable room air treatment apparatus comprising contaminated air inlet means for drawing contaminated air flow thereinto, a disposable air filter assembly releasably secured at one end thereof to said air inlet means in air flow communications therewith, said air filter assembly comprising an outer housing providing a filter chamber and an air filter permanently sealed to said outer housing within said filter chamber, a blower unit releasably secured to said air filter assembly at the other end thereof in air flow communications therewith, said blower unit including clean air outlet means for discharging clean air flow therefrom and blower means for drawing contaminated air through said air inlet means and said air filter and discharging clean air through said air outlet means, said air filter assembly replaceable as an integral unit by another one of said air filter assemblies upon detachment from said air inlet means and said blower unit.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said air inlet means includes a plurality of openings for drawing contaminated air flow radially thereinto about 360°, and said air outlet means includes a plurality of openings for discharging clean air flow radially therefrom about 360°.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said air inlet means includes an inclined roof wall having a plurality of openings for drawing contaminated air axially thereinto.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said air filter is contained within an inner housing, said inner housing permanently sealed to said outer housing within said filter chamber.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said outer housing includes an L-shaped flange circumscribing one end thereof for receiving one end of said inner housing in sealed relationship.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said blower means includes a housing having an L-shaped flange circumscribing one end thereof for receiving said L-shaped flange of said outer housing of said air filter assembly in sealed relationship.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said blower means includes a housing divided into an upper chamber and a lower chamber in air flow communications therewith, and impeller means within said lower chamber for drawing contaminated air through said air inlet means and discharging clean air radially through said air outlet means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said air out means includes a plurality of openings within said housing arranged 360° about said impeller means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said air in means, said air filter assembly and said blower unit are arranged in longitudinal alignment with each other.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
189 words
A self-contained, portable room air treatment apparatus comprising contaminated air inlet means arranged at a first elevation for drawing contaminated air flow radially thereinto, a disposable air filter assembly releasably secured at one end thereof to said air inlet means in air flow communications therewith, said air filter assembly comprising an outer housing providing a filter chamber and an air filter within said filter chamber permanently sealed to said outer housing, and a blower unit releasably secured to said air filter assembly at the other end thereof in air flow communications therewith, said blower unit including clean air outlet means arranged at a second elevation below said first elevation for discharging clean air flow radially therefrom and blower means arranged between said air filter assembly and said air outlet means for drawing contaminated air at said first elevation through said air inlet means and said air filter and discharging clean air radially through said air outlet means at said second elevation, said air filter assembly replaceable as an integral unit by another one of said air filter assemblies upon detachment from said air inlet means and said blower unit.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
189 words
A self-contained, portable room air treatment apparatus comprising contaminated air inlet means arranged at a first elevation for drawing contaminated air flow radially thereinto, a disposable air filter assembly releasably secured at one end thereof to said air inlet means in air flow communications therewith, said air filter assembly comprising an outer housing providing a filter chamber and an air filter within said filter chamber permanently sealed to said outer housing, and a blower unit releasably secured to said air filter assembly at the other end thereof in air flow communications therewith, said blower unit including clean air outlet means arranged at a second elevation below said first elevation for discharging clean air flow radially therefrom and blower means arranged between said air filter assembly and said air outlet means for drawing contaminated air at said first elevation through said air inlet means and said air filter and discharging clean air radially through said air outlet means at said second elevation, said air filter assembly replaceable as an integral unit by another one of said air filter assemblies upon detachment from said air inlet means and said blower unit.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said air filter includes an inner housing, therefor permanently sealed to said outer housing within said filter chamber.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said outer housing includes an L-shaped flange circumscribing one end thereof for receiving one end of said inner housing in sealed relationship.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said blower means includes a housing having an L-shaped flange circumscribing one end thereof for receiving said L-shaped flange of said outer housing of said air filter assembly in sealed relationship.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said air inlet means includes a plurality of openings for drawing contaminated air flow radially thereinto about 360°, and said air outlet means includes a plurality of openings for discharging clean air flow radially therefrom about 360°.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said blower means includes a housing divided into an upper chamber and a lower chamber in air flow communications therewith, and impeller means within said lower chamber for drawing contaminated air through said air inlet means and discharging clean air radially through said air outlet means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said air outlet means includes a plurality of openings within said housing arranged 360° about said impeller means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
226 words
A self-contained room air treatment apparatus comprising a first housing having contaminated air inlet means arranged at a first elevation for drawing contaminated air flow thereinto and contaminated air flow outlet means for expelling contaminated air flow therefrom, an air filter assembly releasably secured at one end thereof to said outlet means of said first housing in air flow communications with said air inlet means, an air filter secured within said air filter assembly, a second housing having clean air inlet means and clean air outlet means arranged at a second elevation below said first elevation in air flow communications with said air filter assembly for discharging clean air flow radially therefrom, said air filter assembly releasably secured at another end thereof to said inlet means of said second housing, and blower means within said second housing arranged between said air filter and said air outlet means of said second housing for drawing contaminated air at said first elevation through said air inlet means of said first housing and said air filter assembly and discharging clean air radially through said air outlet means of said second housing at said second elevation, said air filter being replaceable as an integral unit along with said air filter assembly by another one of said air filter assemblies upon detaching said air filter assembly from said first and second housings.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
226 words
A self-contained room air treatment apparatus comprising a first housing having contaminated air inlet means arranged at a first elevation for drawing contaminated air flow thereinto and contaminated air flow outlet means for expelling contaminated air flow therefrom, an air filter assembly releasably secured at one end thereof to said outlet means of said first housing in air flow communications with said air inlet means, an air filter secured within said air filter assembly, a second housing having clean air inlet means and clean air outlet means arranged at a second elevation below said first elevation in air flow communications with said air filter assembly for discharging clean air flow radially therefrom, said air filter assembly releasably secured at another end thereof to said inlet means of said second housing, and blower means within said second housing arranged between said air filter and said air outlet means of said second housing for drawing contaminated air at said first elevation through said air inlet means of said first housing and said air filter assembly and discharging clean air radially through said air outlet means of said second housing at said second elevation, said air filter being replaceable as an integral unit along with said air filter assembly by another one of said air filter assemblies upon detaching said air filter assembly from said first and second housings.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-08-30 | 1997-03-01 | 1997-08-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-08-30 | 2001-03-01 | 2001-08-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-08-30 | 2005-03-01 | 2005-08-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |