Air filtration system

• US 6,849,107 B1
• Filed: 12/16/2002
• Issued: 02/01/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/16/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Fred Huffman
• Original Assignee: Fred Huffman
• Inventors: Huffman, Fred
• Primary Examiner(s): PHAM, MINH CHAU THI
• Application Number:
  US10/319,897
• Time in Patent Office: 778 Days
• Field of Search: 55D/IG.31, 55D/IG.35, 952/11, 962/27, 962/88, 962/24, 250/436, 261/80, 422/121, 422/122, 422/105, 422/24
• US Class Current: 96/224
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2279/50 for air conditioning air-conditioning systems comprising filters F24F8/10
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 46/0005 Mounting of filtering elements within casings, housings or frames B01D46/2422 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 46/0028 provided with antibacterial or antifungal means
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 46/10 Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using filter plates, sheets or pads having plane surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 46/521 using folded, pleated material
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 53/007 by irradiation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 55/31 Filter frame
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 55/35 Respirators and register filters

Abstract

A new and improved air purifying apparatus having a housing that is adapted to be mounted in-line with an air duct, such as a return air duct of an air-conditioning system. The housing is designed for easy installation without modifying the existing air-conditioning duct work. An ultraviolet light-emitting device is positioned within the housing for radiating the air passing through the return air duct with UV-C and UV-V radiation to destroy air borne chemical and biological odors, bacteria, and microorganisms. A high flow pleated air filter is provided and is removably positioned within the housing for removing air borne particulate material such as dust and pollen.

Claims

1. An air filtration system for use with an existing air-conditioning system having an enclosure for receiving air to be treated via a return air duct, the air filtration system comprising:

a housing adapted to be mounted in-line with and intermediate of said enclosure and said return air duct, wherein said housing has an aperture for receiving an UV air purifier therein, an open proximate end, and a distal end defining an air inlet aperture;

at least one mounting flange extending from said open proximate end of said housing for mounting said housing to said enclosure;

a duct coupling flange formed around said air inlet aperture and extending from said distal end of said housing for coupling said return air duct to said housing; and

at least one air filter retaining member positioned within said housing for receiving an air filter therein.

2. The air filtration system of claim 1, further comprising:

an insulation layer lining an interior surface of said housing.

3. The air filtration system of claim 2, wherein:

said housing has an air filter access opening for allowing access to said air filter.

4. The air filtration system of claim 3, further comprising:

an air filter access door attached to said housing so as to cover said air filter access opening.

5. The air filtration system of claim 1, wherein:

said duct coupling flange extends from said distal end of said housing and further wherein said coupling flange is formed to follow the perimeter of said air inlet aperture.

6. The air filtration system of claim 1, wherein said air filter is received by said housing and divides said housing into an air-inlet chamber and an air exit chamber;

and further wherein said UV air purifier is positioned within said air-inlet chamber.

7. The air filtration system of claim 1, further comprising:

a layer of insulating paint coated on said housing.

8. The air filtration system of claim 1, further comprising:

a sealing strip attached to said housing around the perimeter of said open proximate end to provide an air tight seal between said housing and said enclosure.

9. An air filtration system for use with a typical split air conditioning system having a return air duct for transporting air to be treated to an enclosure, the air filtration system comprising:

a housing adapted to be mounted in-line with said return air duct, said housing defining an air inlet, an air exit and an aperture for receiving an UV air purifier therein;

at least one mounting flange extending from said housing for mounting said housing to a surface;

a duct coupling flange extending from said housing for coupling said return air duct to said housing;

a air filter;

a filter retaining member positioned within said housing for receiving and retaining said air filter within said housing;

a pre-stage air filter;

a doorframe mounted to said housing within the perimeter of said air inlet, wherein said door frame defines a recess for receiving said pre-stage air filter; and

a louvered door hingidly coupled to the door frame.

10. An air filtration system for use with an existing air-conditioning system having an enclosure for receiving air to be treated via a return air duct, the air filtration system comprising:

a housing adapted to be mounted in-line with and intermediate of said enclosure and said return air duct with a return air duct of an air-conditioning system, wherein said housing has an aperture for receiving an UV air purifier therein, an open proximate end, and a distal end defining an air inlet aperture;

at least one mounting flange extending from said open proximate end of said housing for mounting said housing to said enclosure;

a duct coupling flange formed around said air inlet aperture and extending firm said distal end of the said housing for coupling said return air duct to said housing;

an air filter;

at least one air filter retaining member positioned within the said housing for receiving and retaining said air filter therein; and

wherein said air filter is received by said housing and divides said housing into an air-inlet chamber and an air exit chamber, and further wherein said UV air purifier is positioned within said air-inlet chamber.

11. The air filtration system of claim 10, further comprising:

a layer of insulating paint coated on said housing.

12. The air filtration system of claim 10, further comprising:

a sealing strip attached to said housing around the perimeter of said open proximate end to provide an air tight seal between said housing and said enclosure.

13. The air filtration system of claim 10, further comprising:

an insulation layer lining an interior surface of said housing.

14. The air filtration system of claim 10, wherein:

said housing has an air filter access opening for allowing access to said air filter.

15. The air filtration system of claim 14, further comprising:

an air filter access door attached to said housing so as to cover said air filter access opening.