Respiratory filter element having a storage device for keeping track of filter usage and a system for use therewith

• US 6,186,140 B1
• Filed: 03/14/1997
• Issued: 02/13/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Original Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Inventors: Hoague, Michael Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Lewis, Aaron J.
• Application Number:
  US08/818,797
• Time in Patent Office: 1,432 Days
• Field of Search: 128/202.22, 128/205.12, 128/20, 128/201.25, 128/204.26, 128/205.23, 128/205.25, 128/205.27, 128/206.12, 128/206.21
• US Class Current: 128/202.22
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2201/52 Filter identification means
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2201/54 Computerised or programmable systems
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 29/60 integrally combined with devices for controlling the filtration
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 46/0086 Filter condition indicators
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 46/0091 Including arrangements for environmental or personal protection

Abstract

The present invention provides for a filter assembly (124) which includes a filter element (128) and a memory device (402). The memory device (402) allows for a record of the filter element'"'"'s usage to be available at all times even if the filter assembly (124) is moved from one filtering system to another one. In another embodiment of the invention, the filter assembly (124) interacts with a filtering device such as air unit (130) which periodically updates the memory device (402) while the air unit (130) is operational. The air unit (130) also periodically checks to see if the filter assembly (124) has reached the end of its useful life. If so, the air unit provides an audible and/or visual alarm.

Claims

1. A respiratory system that comprises:

a replaceable filter assembly that comprises a filter element and a nonvolatile memory device attached to the filter element; and

an air unit including a blower motor assembly and a controller circuit;

wherein

the controller circuit determines the amount of time the blower motor assembly is operational and provides an update signal for storage in the nonvolatile memory device which is indicative of the length of time the blower motor has been operational.

2. The respiratory system of claim 1, wherein the controller circuit periodically updates the nonvolatile memory device by sending periodic update signals during the time the blower motor assembly is operational.

3. The respiratory system of claim 1, wherein the air unit and replaceable filter assembly both include connectors that allow for the electrical interconnection of the controller and the nonvolatile memory device.

4. The respiratory system of claim 1 further comprising:

a controller for monitoring the amount of time the filtering assembly is operational and periodically sending an update signal to the nonvolatile memory device.

5. The respiratory system of claim 4, wherein the update signal causes a filter usage value stored in the nonvolatile memory device to change value, the filter usage value providing an indication on the amount of time the filter element has been in use.

6. The respiratory system of claim 5, wherein the controller periodically compares the filter usage value to a filter life threshold value to determine if the filter element has reached its end-of-life condition.

7. The respiratory system of claim 6, further comprising:

an annunicator; and

wherein

the controller causes the annunicator to provide an alert if the controller determines that the filter element has reached its end-of-life condition.

8. The respiratory system of claim 6, wherein the respiratory system comprises a powered-air respiratory system that includes an air unit having a blower motor assembly, and the controller determines the amount of time the blower motor assembly is operational and sends the update signal to the input port periodically as long as the blower motor assembly is operational.