CONTAMINANT MONITORING AND AIR FILTRATION SYSTEM

• US 20160041074A1
• Filed: 08/10/2015
• Published: 02/11/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 08/10/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Trans-Vac Systems, LLC
• Original Assignee: Trans-Vac Systems, LLC
• Inventors: Pliskin, Harry Leon
• Granted Patent: US 10,422,727 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 1/0071 with means for purifying supplied air perfuming or deodorising means F24F1/008
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/30 for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/52 Indication arrangements, e.g. displays
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/64 using pre-stored data
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2110/50 Air quality properties
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 1/2273 Atmospheric sampling
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 15/0625 Optical scan of the deposits
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 30/70 Efficient control or regulation technologies, e.g. for control of refrigerant flow, motor or heating

Abstract

Devices, methods and systems for monitoring, sampling, and filtering or sanitizing the air of an environment are provided. Devices and methods including air filtering units with smart features including connectivity and reporting features are provided wherein a unit is provided to communicate with a system. Based on detected values related to air contamination and particulates entrained in the air, the system and methods are capable of performing various functions including reporting and remediation functions.

Claims

1. A method for analyzing and filtering air, the method comprising the steps of:

providing an air-monitoring unit comprising at least one filter, an air sampling device, and a microprocessor;

drawing air through an airflow path of the air-monitoring unit in communication with the microprocessor;

determining a particulate count of the air entering the air-monitoring unit, the particulate count comprising at least one of bacteria, pollutants, viruses, dust and dander;

comparing with the microprocessor the particulate count to a predetermined set of stored values, the stored values comprising at least one of particulate type and particulate quantity; and

transmitting data related to the particulate count to at least one of a local server and a remote server for at least one of storage and further processing; and

based on the comparing step, adjusting at least one operating parameter of the air-monitoring unit.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting the at least one operating parameter comprises a step of increasing or decreasing the speed of an air-intake fan provided in the air-monitoring unit.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting the at least one operating parameter comprises a step of increasing or decreasing an air-sampling rate of the air-monitoring unit.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of providing an indication to a user of the results of the comparing step.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the indication comprises written instructions provided on a graphical user-interface.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein data related to the particulate count is electronically transmitted to a remote observer, the remote observer comprising at least one of a facility manager, a regulatory compliance organization, and a government organization.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising a forecasting step wherein data related to the particulate count is compared with pre-existing data related to contamination migration or travel, and based on the comparison providing an indication to a user related to potential propagation of the contamination.

8. A method for analyzing and filtering air, the method comprising the steps of:

providing an air-monitoring unit comprising at least one of a filter and an air sampling device, the air sampling device comprising means for determining particulate concentration levels in a quantity of air;

drawing air through an airflow path of the air-monitoring unit;

determining a particulate count of the air entering the air-monitoring unit, the particulate count comprising at least one of bacteria, pollutants, viruses, dust and dander;

comparing with the microprocessor the particulate count to a predetermined set of stored values, the stored values comprising at least one of particulate type and particulate quantity; and

reporting data related to the particulate count to a remote location; and

based on the comparing step, adjusting at least one operating parameter of the air-monitoring unit.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the reporting step comprises wirelessly transmitting data to a server for at least one of storage and analysis.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the reporting step comprises transmitting data to an off-site location.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein adjusting the at least one operating parameter comprises a step of increasing or decreasing the speed of an air-intake fan provided in the air-monitoring unit.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising a step of providing an indication to a user of the results of the comparing step.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the indication comprises written instructions provided on a graphical user-interface.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein data related to the particulate count is electronically transmitted to a remote observer, the remote observer comprising at least one of a facility manager, a regulatory compliance organization, and a government organization.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising a forecasting step wherein data related to the particulate count is compared with pre-existing data related to contamination migration or travel, and based on the comparison providing an indication to a user related to potential propagation of the contamination.

16. A system for monitoring and filtering air, the system comprising:

a cabinet comprising an air inlet and an air outlet;

at least one filter and at least one of a fan and a blower provided within the cabinet;

an air flow path extending between the air inlet and the air outlet, wherein the at least one filter is provided in the air flow path;

a microprocessor electrically connected to the at least one of a fan and a blower;

an air sampling device electrically connected to the microprocessor; and

a speed control device electrically connected to the microprocessor and the at least one of a fan and a blower;

wherein the microprocessor receives information related to a particulate count determined by the air sampling device and compares the information to predetermined values, and sends signals to the speed control device to adjust the speed of the at least one of a fan and a blower based on the comparison of the particle count to the predetermined values.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a wireless connection to at least one of a remote server and a remote computer, and wherein the information related to a particulate count is transmitted via the wireless connection.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the cabinet comprises a portable unit.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the air sampling unit comprises at least one of an air sampling pump, a color diffusion unit, a dosimeter, and a detector tube.

20. The system of claim 16, wherein the microprocessor is in communication with a personal computer comprising a monitor display, the personal computer and monitor display adapted to convey information to a user related to a particulate count.