DC Power supply for an air filter

Abstract

Air filtering apparatus includes a filter cell having ionizing and collecting structure, a high voltage power supply and control unit for supplying a high voltage to the filter cell, a separate low voltage power supply unit for supplying operating power to the high voltage power supply unit and a separate probe unit for monitoring the flow of air within a duct in which the filter cell is installed. The high voltage power supply and control unit includes an output transistor in series with a primary winding of a step-up transformer and controlled by an oscillator circuit which is operative to control and limit the output voltage and current and also the current through the output transistor. The probe unit includes a pair of thermistors and a bridge circuit and operates to provide a signal which is independent of variables other than air flow velocity. A modified apparatus is also disclosed, arranged for portable use and arranged for energization from a standard power line with no separate low voltage supply.

Description

This invention relates to electronic air filtering apparatus and more particularly to apparatus which is highly efficient and reliable in removal of pollen, allergens, smoke and odors as well as dust, lint and other airborne particles. One embodiment is adapted to be readily installed in existing forced-air systems while another embodiment is of portable form and adapted to be carried from room to room. Both embodiments are readily and economically manufacturable and can be easily cleaned as required. They are very quiet and efficient with minimal power consumption.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electronic air filters have heretofore been proven to be effective in the removal of airborne particles. One highly effective type of filter cell is disclosed in the Soltis U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,653 issued Jan. 9, 1979. In the cell as disclosed in the Soltis patent, the air is passed through a pre-filter and passed an ionizing wire to collecting means which may include a pair of polyurethane webs with a high voltage grid sandwiched therebetween, a high voltage source being connected to the ionizing wire and the high voltage grid. An intensive electrostatic field is formed around the wire, bombarding particles entrained in the air and imparting a charge thereto. Then, as the charged particles enter the collection zone, they encounter the charged webs an are attracted to and precipitated thereon. Such a cell may be occasionally cleaned by soaking it in a suitable detergent.

Although highly effective, such electronic air filters have not been in very extensive use, partly because of the time and expense required for installation thereof. Also, the cost of manufacture of components, especially the high voltage supply, has been quite high.

Another problem with prior art filtering apparatus has been that they have required a substantial degree of attention on the part of the owner or operator to make sure that they are operating effectively.

SUMMARY OF THE INENTION

This invention was evolved with the general object of providing electronic air filtering apparatus which can be readily and economically manufactured while being highly efficient and reliable in operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide electronic air filtering apparatus which can be readily installed in existing forced-air systems.

A further object of the invention is to provide an electronic air filtering apparatus of portable form.

An important aspect of the invention relates to the analysis of the construction of prior art apparatus and to the discovery of the sources of problems encountered therewith. For example, certain specific features relate to the high voltage supply which, in prior systems, has usually been in the form of a step-up transformer operated from the power line with a rectifier connected to the secondary winding of the transformer to develop the high voltage. In some cases, suitable controls have been provided for controlling the current applied to the primary winding, as by controlling the phase of triggering of thyristor devices. High frequency or pulse type power supplies have been used in conjunction with some forms of precipitator apparatus, but the construction thereof has been such that they are quite expensive and not suitable for installation in home type forced-air systems, or for portable use.

In a system constructed in accordance with the invention, a "fly back" type of power supply is used which is similar in some respects to the type of power supply used for supplying a high voltage to picture tubes of television receivers. A driver circuit is provided for energizing the primary winding of a step-up transformer from a low voltage source, rectifier means being connected to the secondary winding of the transformer to develop a high DC operating voltage for application to the ionization means. The driver circuit includes an oscillator circuit which is operable at a high frequency to periodically switch an output transistor between conductive and non-conductive states. By operating at a high frequency, insulation requirements and component sizes can be greatly reduced, as compared with power supplies in which a transformer is operated at the standard power line frequency of 60 Hz.

Another important advantage relates to the control of the operation of the circuit in response to changes in operating conditions, especially with respect to conditions which may produce arcing in the ionizing means. A circuit arrangement is provided for sensing the output current and to respond to an increase in output current above a certain value to switch the output transistor to its non-conductive state and to then prevent switching of the output transistor to its conductive state. The response time of the circuit is substantially instantaneous so that the possibility of production of ozone or other deleterious effects is substantially obviated.

In accordance with the specific feature, the oscillator circuit includes means for responding to an increase in the current through the output transistor above a certain value to switch the oscillator circuit to a state in which the output transistor is non-conductive. In this way, the possibility of damage to the output transistor may be minimized. Preferably, a circuit arrangement is provided to increase the speed of response and to further minimize the possibility of excessive current through the output transistor.

A further feature relates to the control of the output voltage which is accomplished by adjusting the oscillator circuit to adjust the relative times of conduction and non-conduction of the output transistor.

The power supply circuitry incorporates other specific features operative to obtain a high degree of reliability in the operation thereof.

In a high voltage supply designed for use in conjunction with existing forced-air systems, a specific feature is that it is incorporated in a modular unit which is separate from a low voltage supply which may, for example, supply a 24-volt DC voltage and which may be connected through a cable to the high voltage supply. This modular arrangement facilitates installation of the system while reducing possible hazards.

In a high voltage supply designed for a portable unit, an important feature is in the use of direct rectification of line voltage to obtain a low voltage required for operation of the high voltage supply. With direct rectification, the need for a separate transformer is obviated.

Further features relate to the provision of circuitry such as to obtain reliable operation with such direct retification while, at the same time, minimizing power consumption.

Another feature is in the provision of isolation means operative to minimize any hazards from the use of direct rectification means.

Additional important features of the invention relate to the control of the air filtration apparatus in a manner such that it is operative only when there is air flow therethrough. When the apparatus is installed in a heating or air conditioning system which includes a fan or blower for forced circulation of the air, it is highly desirable to restrict the operation of the apparatus to such times as those in which the blower is operative. It is possible to couple the apparatus to the electrical circuit used for energization of the blower but when the apparatus is installed in an existing installation, this is undesirable because it involves modification of existing wiring. There have also been proposals to use thermistor devices for sensing air flow but the proposals have been such that reliable operation could not be obtained. It has been discovered that one cause of the reliability problem is that the thermistor device can be highly sensitive to changes in variables other than air flow velocity. It has also been discovered that when the thermistor device is incorporated as part of the air filtering apparatus, difficulties can be encountered because the proximity to filtering components may cause inaccurate results and, in addition, cleaning of the air filter may cause damage to the thermistor device and connections thereto.

In accordance with the invention, first and second sensor elements are provided, both of which may preferably be in the form of thermistors and both of which may have an electrical characteristic changeable as a function of air flow velocity and also changeable as a function of variables other than air flow velocity. A bridge circuit is provided for comparing the electrical characteristics of the elements, preferably including means for supplying current to both of a pair of thermistors from a common supply and for comparing the voltages developed across the thermistors.

The use of a pair of sensor elements in conjunction with a bridge circuit in this manner greatly increases the reliability of sensing of air flow. Another feature of the sensing means is its incorporation in a probe which forms a separate modular element and which may be mounted at a point spaced from the filter cell, in a manner such that a further increase in the reliability of sensing of air flow may be obtained. The sensing means is positioned at a point where there is a substantial air flow velocity any time that the blower of the system is operative and operation of the sensing means is not affected by any turbulent conditions which may be produced in the immediate vicinity of the filter cell.

This invention contemplates other objects, features and advantages which will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating air filtering apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention, shown installed in a forced-air system;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter cell of the system of FIG. 1, taken substantially along line II--II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram of a high voltage power supply and control unit of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a cover of the high voltage supply and control unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a probe unit of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the manner of assembly of components of the probe unit of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an expanded perspective view illustrating principal components of a portable air cleaner apparatus of the invention and the manner of assembly thereof;

FIG. 8 is a wiring diagram for the apparatus of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic circuit diagram of a high voltage power supply unit of the apparatus of FIGS. 7 and 8.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference numeral 10 generally designates air filtering apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention. The illustrated apparatus 10 is shown installed on a forced-air system 11 which includes a furnace 12 having a blower 13 within a chamber 14. The furnace 12 may further include a plenum, not shown, for receiving air from the outlet of the blower 13 and a burner, also not shown, for heating the plenum. Suitable duct work may be provided for receiving heated air from the plenum and for transmitting the heated air to the various rooms of the house in which the system is installed. A return duct 15 is provided for return flow of air to the furnace 12. It will be understood that the forced-air system may include air cooling means in addition to or in place of the heating means as described.

The apparatus 10 includes a filter cell 16 shown installed at the end of the duct 15, where the duct 15 joins the chamber 14 in which the blower 13 is located. The filter cell 16 may replace the ordinary disposable filter, in an existing forced-air system, and may be readily installed by simply sliding it into place in the slot in which the ordinary disposable filter is installed.

The filter cell 16 includes ionizing and collecting means requiring a high DC operating voltage which is supplied through a cable 17 from a high voltage power supply and control unit 18 shown mounted on a side wall portion 20 of the duct 15. The high voltage power supply and control unit 18 is connected through a cable 21 to a low voltage power supply unit 22 which is shown mounted on an electrical outlet box 23. The low voltage power supply unit 22 may supply a DC voltage of approximately 24 volts, for example, at a safe level such as to minimize hazards to operation of the apparatus.

The apparatus 10 further includes a probe unit 24 which is connected through a cable 25 to the high voltage power supply and control unit 18. The probe unit 24 senses the flow of air within the duct 15 and is shown mounted on a side wall portion 26 of the duct 15 which is spaced from the filter cell 16 and which is also spaced from the high voltage power supply and control unit 18. The apparatus 10 is thus designed for easy installation in forced-air systems and can be readily installed by experienced "do-it-yourselfers" or by professional installers.

The filter cell 16 may desirably be constructed as disclosed in the aforesaid Soltis U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,653. As illustrated in the partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, it may include a pre-filter 27 which may be fabricated from fiberglass, woven and/or non-woven textile and open cell polymeric resin foam filter materials. In addition, it includes an ionizing wire 28 which is supported on insulators 29 which are mounted on spaced parallel blades 30. In addition, collecting means are provided including a pair of polyurethane webs 31 and 32 with a high voltage grid 33 sandwiched therebetween. A protective grill 34 may be provided on the outlet side of the filter cell 16. The high voltage cable 17 is connected to the ionizing wire 28 and to the high voltage grid 33 in a conventional manner, for example, through mounting posts, bus bars, printed circuit boards such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,727,380. When the high voltage is applied, an intensive electrostatic field is formed around the wire 28 which causes an ion flow between the wire 28 and the blades 30, bombarding particles entrained in the air and imparting a charge thereto. As the charged particles enter the collection zone, they encounter the charged webs 31 and 32 and are attracted to and precipitated thereon.

The filter cell 16 is designed to be readily cleaned which may be easily accomplished by removing it from the forced-air system 11 and soaking it in a suitable detergent.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the high voltage power supply and control unit 18. The unit 18 includes output terminals 36 which are connected through the cable 17 to the filter cell 16 and which are connected within the unit 18 to a circuit point 37. Circuit point 37 is connected through a capacitor 38 to ground and through a diode 39 to one end terminal of a secondary winding 40 of a transformer 41. The opposite terminal of the secondary winding 40 is connected to a circuit point 42 which is at a relatively low potential with respect to ground, being connected to circuitry used for current-monitoring purposes, as hereinafter described. A high voltage of alternating polarity is developed across the secondary winding which is rectified by the diode 39 to develop a high voltage at the circuit point 37 which may be on the order of plus 7,000 volts, by way of example.

The transformer 41 includes a primary winding 43 and is a step-up transformer which has a high ratio of turns in the secondary winding 40 relative to those in the primary winding 43. The primary winding 43 is connected between a positive low voltage power supply terminal 44 and the collector of a transistor 45 having an emitter connected through a resistor 46 to ground. A capacitor 47 is connected in parallel with the primary winding 43 and a damper diode 48 is connected between the collector of transistor 45 and ground.

To develop the high voltage in the secondary winding 40, the transistor 45 is periodically rendered conductive to cause current to build up through the primary winding 43, thereby developing a substantial amount of energy in the magnetic field of the transformer 41. Then when the current reaches a certain level, the conduction through transformer 45 is cut off and high amplitude pulse in the form of a half-cycle "ring" is produced, the duration of which is determined by the capacitance of the capacitor 47 and the effective inductance of the primary winding 43. This action is like that produced in the conventional "fly back" power supplies such as used in television receivers and the like.

To control conduction through the transistor 45, an oscillator circuit is provided which includes a transistor 50 having its emitter connected to the power supply terminal 44 and having its collector connected through a resistor 51 to the base of the transistor 45, a resistor 52 being connected between the base and emitter electrodes of the transistor 45. The base of the transistor 50 is connected through a resistor 53 to the power supply terminal 44 and is also connected through a resistor 54 to the collector of a transistor 55. The base of the transistor 55 is connected through a resistor 56 to the collector of transistor 50, through a resistor 57 to ground and through a resistor 58 to a circuit point 60 to which control and reference voltages are applied as hereinafter described. The emitter of transistor 55 is connected to the emitter of another transistor 61 and also through a common resistor 62 to ground. The collector of transistor 61 is connected through a resistor 63 to a power supply terminal 64 to which a regulated voltage of plus 20 volts may be applied. The base of transistor 61 is connected through a capacitor 65 to ground and through a diode 66 to the emitter of the output transistor 45.

In the operation of the circuit as thus far described, it may be assumed that the transistor 55 is initially conductive to cause the transistor 50 to be conductive and to cause the output transistor 45 to be conductive and to build up current through the primary winding 43. With transistor 55 conductive, a potential is developed at its emitter which, with the capacitor 65 being initially uncharged, prevents transistor 61 from being conductive. However, as the current builds up through the primary winding 43, it also builds up through the resistor 46 to develop an increasing voltage across resistor 46 and across the capacitor 65. At a certain time, the base of the transistor 61 goes positive relative to its emitter to initiate conduction therethrough, increase conduction through the resistor 62 and to decrease the base-emitter bias of the transistor 55. Then the circuit is rapidly switched to a condition in which the transistor 61 conducts heavily while the transistor 55 is cut-off to cut-off conduction through the output transistor 45.

With this operation, in which the switching occurs in response to an increase in current flow through the output transistor 45 above a certain level, it is possible to so control and limit the current through the output transistor 45 as to prevent damage thereto, it being noted that the current might otherwise rise within a few microseconds to several amperes, which could cause the output transistor 45 to fail.

To further protect the output transistor 45, an additional transistor 68 is provided which acts as a clamping transistor, its emitter being connected to the base of the transistor 45 while its collector is connected to ground. The base of the transistor 68 is connected through a diode 69 to its emitter and is also connected through a resistor 70 and a capacitor 71 to the collector of the transistor 50. When transistor 50 is conductive, the capacitor 71 is charged through the diode 69 to a polarity such that when the transistor 50 is cut off, the potential of the base of the transistor 68 is rapidly dropped to a negative value to cause the transistor 68 to conduct heavily and to clamp the potential of the base of the output transistor 45 at substantially ground potential, thereby precluding flow of current through the output transistor 45.

Another important feature of the invention relates to the control of the operation of the high voltage power supply circuit in response to excessive output current developed thereby. In an air filtering system of the type shown, it is found to be very important that the output current be limited because excessive current can cause damage to the filtering apparatus as well as to the power supply components and, more importantly, when an excessive current is the result of arcing in the filtering apparatus, there may be a generation of ozone and other deleterious effects. It is noted that periodic cleaning of the filter cell 16 is accomplished by soaking in a detergent and if the filter cell is not sufficiently dry when it is replaced in the system, the moisture may cause arcing to occur. At the same time, however, it is desirable to have the system operative as soon as possible and to not delay operation indefinitely while waiting for the filter cell to dry.

To limit the output current, a Schmitt trigger circuit 74 is provided which is triggered in response to an increase in the output current above a certain level to trigger a timer 75 from a reset condition to a set condition. The output of the timer 75, on a line 76, is applied through a diode 77 to a circuit point 78 which is connected through a resistor 79 to the base of a transistor 80, the emitter of transistor 80 being connected to ground and the collector thereof being connected to the circuit point 60 in the oscillator circuit. When the timer is in a set condition, the output thereof, on line 76, is at a high level and is applied through diode 77 and resistor 79 to the base of transistor 80 to render transistor 80 conductive and to clamp the potential of the circuit point 60 at a value close to ground potential. As a result, the base of the transistor 55 is held at a low potential, precluding operation of the oscillator circuit and precluding conduction of the output transistor 45.

The response time of the circuits 74 and 75 is quite fast and as a result, the output current can be rapidly cut off, precluding damage to components and other deleterious effects.

In the illustrated arrangement, the Schmitt trigger circuit 74 includes an operational amplifier 81 which has a plus input connected through a resistor 82 to its output and also through a resistor 83 to a regulated plus 12-volt supply terminal 84. The minus input of the operational amplifier 81 is connected through a diode 85 to its plus input and is also connected through a resistor 86 to the circuit point 42 which is connected through a capacitor 87 to ground and which is also connected through a resistor 88 to the plus 20-volt power supply terminal 64.

In operation, the output current flows through the resistor 88 to develop a voltage at the circuit point 42 which goes in a negative direction, i.e., decreases, as the output current is increased. When the potential of the circuit point 42 reaches a certain level, the operational amplifier 81 is rendered conductive. A positive output pulse is then developed at the output of the amplifier 81 which is applied through a diode 90 and a resistor 91 to a circuit point 92 which is connected through a resistor 93 to a plus input of an operational amplifier 94 which forms part of the timer circuit 75 and which has a minus input terminal connected through a resistor 95 to the plus 12-volt power supply terminal 84. The circuit point 92 is also connected to ground through the parallel combination of a resistor 97 and a capacitor 98 which controls the duration of the timing interval of operation of the timer 75.

When the positive output pulse is developed at the output of the operational amplifier 81, it is applied through diode 90 and resistor 91 to the circuit point 92, to rapidly charge up the capacitor 98 and to also render the operational amplifier 94 operative to develop a high level at the output line 76. Thereafter, the capacitor 98 may discharge through the resistor 97 until it is substantially completely discharged, whereupon the output level on line 76 drops to a low level to permit operation of the oscillator circuit in the manner as described hereinbefore.

It is noted that the output line 76 is connected to ground through a resistor 99 and a diode 100 which is a light-emitting diode and which indicates that the system is in a "drying" operation.

Another important feature of the system is in the control of the output voltage which is accomplished through control of the oscillator circuit to control the proportionate durations of the states thereof in which the output transistor 45 is conductive and non-conductive. More particularly, the level of the voltage at the circuit point 60 is controlled, circuit point 60 being connected through a capacitor 102 to ground and through a resistor 103 to the output of an operational amplifier 104 which has a plus input terminal connected to the plus 12-volt supply terminal 84. The minus input terminal of the operational amplifier 104 is connected to the movable contact and one end terminal of a potentiometer 105 and also through a resistor 106 to the circuit point 37, the other end terminal of potentiometer 105 being connected through a resistor 107 to ground. An adjustable voltage divider is thus provided in which the potential of the minus input of amplifier 104 is controlled as an adjustable fraction of the output voltage. As a result, the voltage level at the circuit point 60 is controlled to control the time of switching of the transistor 55 into conduction and to thereby effectively control the average output voltage.

Power supply circuitry is provided including the terminal 44 to which plus 24-volts is supplied from the separate low voltage power supply unit 22. Such circuitry connects the terminal 44 with the terminals 64 and 84 which respectively supply regulated voltages of plus 20-volts and plus 12-volts with respect to ground. In particular, the terminal 44 is connected through a resistor 108 with the terminal 64 which is connected to ground through a Zener diode 109 and a capacitor 110. The terminal 64 is also connected through a light-emitting diode 111 and a resistor 112 to ground, the diode 111 constituting a "Power-On" signal light. Terminal 64 is additionally connected through a dropping resistor 113 to the terminal 84 which is connected through a second Zener diode 114 to ground.

The circuitry of the power supply 22 is not illustrated but it will be understood that it may be of conventional form and, for example, it may preferably include a step-down transformer, a bridge rectifier and a filter capacitor.

A further feature of the apparatus is in the provision of circuitry for deactivating the high voltage supply when no air is being passed through the filter cell, as when the blower 13 is inoperative. Such circuitry is connected through the cable 25 to the probe unit 24 which is hereinbefore described senses the flow of air within the duct 15. As shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 3, the circuit point 78 is connected through a diode 116 to a line 117 conencted to the output of a differential amplifier 118 having minus and plus inputs connected to ground through thermistors 119 and 120 which are physically located in the probe unit 24 in a manner as hereinafter described. The minus and plus inputs are also connected through resistors 121 and 122 to the plus 12-volt power supply terminal 84 and, as shown, an additional resistor 123 may be connected in parallel with the thermistor 120.

The thermistor 119 is in the path of air flow to the filter cell 16 and its temperature is reduced in response to air flow to cause its resistance to increase, the thermistor having a negative temperature coefficient of resistivity. The second thermistor 120 is in a protected position, out of the path of air flow, as hereinafter described. In operation, when there is no air flow, the thermistor 119 has a relatively low resistance, the potential of the plus input of the operational amplifier 118 is greater than that at the minus input thereof and the output on the line 117 is at a high level. As a result, a signal is applied through the diode 116 and resistor 79 to the base of the transistor 80 to cause the potential of the circuit point 60 to be clamped at a low level and to preclude operation of the high voltage supply. However, when there is air flow at greater than a certain velocity, the resistance of the thermistor 119 is increased to a level such that the output on line 117 goes to a low level, removing the signal from the base of the transistor 80, and allowing the high voltage supply to operate.

It is noted that the thermistors 119 and 120 have matched characteristics and manner of mounting thereof and the nominal resistance values thereof and of the resistors 121, 122 and 123 are such that the circuit is insensitive to changes in variables other than air flow velocity. Thus, changes in ambient temperature, for example, do not have any substantial effect on the operation of the circuit and a very high degree of reliability is obtained.

A specific feature is in the provision of a light-emitting diode 124 in series with a resistor 125 between the plus 20-volt power supply terminal 64 and the line 117. When the output on line 117 is at a high level due to the absence of air flow, the light-emitting diode 124 is de-energized but it is energized when the output drops to a low level in response to air flow. The diode 124 and also the diodes 100 and 111 are physically located behind openings at the inner central portions of recesses 126, 127 and 128 in a cover 130 of the power supply and control unit 18 shown in FIG. 4, indicia being provided on the cover 130 opposite the diodes 124, 100 and 112 to show that energization thereof indicates "OPERATING", "DRYING" and "POWER ON". This feature is highly advantageous in that a person using or servicing the apparatus can instantly determine its status from visual observation.

FIG. 5 illustrates the air sensing probe 24 which includes a housing 132 having a base portion 133 for positioning on the outside of a duct wall and having a sensor element support portion 134 of tubular form for insertion through an opening in a duct wall. The base portion 133 has holes 135 and 136 which may receive suitable sheet metal screws for securing the base portion 133 to the duct wall. The tubular portion 134 has slots 137 therein for allowing air to enter and to come in contact with the thermistor 120 which is supported at a protected position therewithin. The thermistor 119 is supported from the inner end of the tubular portion 134 by means of a support plug, the thermistor 119 having lead wires 139 and 140 secured to connecting elements within the plug 138. A generally U-shaped sensor guard 142 is secured to the support plug 138 to protect the thermistor 119. During shipment of the apparatus, a protective cap may be secured over the guard 142 and over the thermistor 119, the protective cap being removed when the apparatus is installed.

FIG. 6 shows the assembly of the probe 24. The lead wires 139 and 140 are secured to connectors 143 and 144 which are inserted into openings in the plug 138 and which are connected to mating connectors 145 and 146 secured to wires 147 and 148. The connector 145 is additionally secured to a lead wire 149 of the thermistor 120, a second lead wire 150 of thermistor 120 being secured to a wire 151. The wires 147, 148 and 151 extend from the cable 25 which, during assembly, is threaded through an opening in the base 133 and out through the tubular portion 134. Then the cable 25 is pulled downwardly and outwardly to position the thermistor 120 down within the tubular portion 134. Thermistor 120 is thus placed at a protected position out of the path of high velocity air flow. However, some degree of air circulation to the thermistor 120 is provided through the slots 137.

The opposite ends of the wires 147, 148 and 151 are connected to prongs of a plug 152 which is engaged in a suitable socket of the high voltage supply and control unit 18.

With the illustrated construction of the probe unit, it may be readily installed by any experienced "do-it-yourselfer" or professional. An important advantage of the arrangement is that the probe may be positioned at a point in the air flow path which is spaced a substantial distance from the filter cell, away from any obstructions, so as to obtain an accurate and reliable measurement of the mean air flow velocity in the forced-air system. Another advantage is that a probe, once installed, is not affected by cleaning operations performed on the filter cell and the possibility of being adversely affected by moisture or the like is minimized. Also, the thermistors, once installed, are not subjected to possible damage from handling.

FIG. 7 shows the principal components of a portable air cleaner apparatus constructed in accordance with the principals of the invention and generally designated by reference numeral 154. The apparatus 154 includes a housing or cabinet 155 which has a screen 156 forming a part of a front wall thereof. A blower panel 157 is mounted behind the front wall of the cabinet and supports a blower 158 which is driven by a suitable motor, not seen. A filter and collector cell 160 is mounted behind the blower 158, between lower and upper retainers 161 and 162 and a charcoal filter 163 may be mounted behind the filter and collector cell 160. A rear screen 164 is mounted on the rear of the cabinet 155 to enclose the components as illustrated. The cabinet 155 may be supported on a base assembly 166 and a member 167 may be provided for mounting between the rear end of the base assembly 166 and the rear end of the cabinet 155 for retaining the lower end of the rear screen 164 and also for supporting a power cord retainer 168 which is connectable to a connector 169 at one end of a power cord 170. A switch 171 and a panel lamp 172 may be mounted on the front of the cabinet below the screen 156.

The filter and collector cell 160 may have a construction generally similar to that of the cell 16 in the apparatus 10 but may be relatively thicker, as shown, to take advantage of the fact that more space can be provided in a portable unit than is available when the filter cell replaces an ordinary disposable filter in a forced-air system.

To supply high voltage to the cell 160, a high voltage supply unit 174 is provided which includes components mounted on a circuit board 175 arranged for mounting on the rear face of the blower-support panel 157.

As shown in FIG. 8, one terminal of the power socket 168 is connected to one terminal of a motor 176 for driving the blower 158 and is also connected to one terminal 177 of the circuit board 175. A second terminal of the power socket 168 is connected to ground, i.e., to the frame of the apparatus, and a third terminal thereof is connected through the switch 171 to the other terminal of the motor 176 and also through a fuse 178 to a second terminal 179 of the circuit board 175. The circuit board 175 also has a terminal 180 connected to ground, a terminal 181 which is connected to a high voltage terminal of the cell 160 and a terminal 182 which is connected to the panel light 172.

FIG. 9 illustrates the electrical circuitry of the high voltage supply 174. The circuitry is arranged for obtaining supply voltages by direct rectification of the 120-volt AC supply voltage. An important feature is that it includes two power supply or supply voltage sections connected in series. The first section includes a capacitor 184 connected between the terminal 177 and a line 185 with a Zener diode 186 being connected in parallel with the capacitor 184 to regulate the voltage thereacross. The second section includes a capacitor 187 connected between the line 185 and a line 188 which is connected through a rectifying diode 189 and a resistor 190 to the second line terminal 179.

In operation, the input line voltage is half-wave rectified by the rectifier 189 to produce a DC voltage, one portion of which is developed across the capacitor 184, between terminal 177 and line 185, while a second portion thereof is developed across capacitor 187, between line 185 and line 188. The portion developed across the capacitor 184 is maintained at a regulated value by the Zener diode 186, and may be 8.2 volts, by way of example. The second portion is unregulated.

The circuitry 174 is, in many respects, similar to the circuitry of the high voltage supply 18, illustrated in FIG. 3. The high voltage output terminal 181 is connected through a resistor 191 to a circuit point 192 which is connected through a rectifying diode 193 to one end terminal of a secondary winding 194 of a high voltage step-up transformer 195 having a primary winding 196. The other terminal of the secondary winding 194 is connected to ground through the parallel combination of a resistor 197, a capacitor 198 and an input light-emitting diode portion 199 of an optical coupler 200. A filter capacitor 202 is connected between circuit point 192 and ground and the lamp terminal 182 is connected through a resistor 203 to ground and through a resistor 204 to the circuit point 192.

To energize the primary winding 196 of the transformer 195, one terminal thereof is connected to the power supply line 188 while the other terminal thereof is connected to the collector of a transistor 206, the emitter of which is connected through a resistor 207 to the power supply line 185. Thus, the second power supply section is used for supplying current to the primary winding 196 under control of the transistor 206 which functions in a manner very similar to the output transistor 45 of the circuit of FIG. 3. A capacitor 208 and also a resistor 209 are connected in parallel with the primary winding 196 and a damper diode 210 is connected between the collector of transistor 206 and the power supply line 185.

Conduction of the transistor 206 is controlled by an oscillator circuit which is similar to that of the circuit shown in FIG. 3. The base of the transistor 206 is connected through a diode 211 to the power supply line 185 and is connected through a resistor 212 to the collector thereof. In addition, the base of the transistor 206 is connected through a coupling capacitor 214 and a resistor 215 to the output of an operational amplifier 216 which is operated from the first power supply section, one power supply input terminal thereof being connected to the line terminal 177 and the other power supply input terminal thereof being connected to the line 185. Bias and feedback voltages are applied to the plus input of the operational amplifier 216 which is connected through a resistor 217 to the terminal 177, through a resistor 218 to its output terminal and through a resistor 219 to the line 185. The minus input of the operational amplifier 216 is connected through a resistor 220 to its output and is also connected through a resistor 221 to the collector of a transistor 222, the emitter which is connected to the emitter of transistor 206 and also through a resistor 223 to the movable contact of a potentiometer 224 connected between the base of transistor 222 and the line 185. A capacitor 225 is connected between the minus input of amplifier 216 and ground. An additional resistor 226 is connected between line 185 and terminals of the amplifier 216.

The operational amplifier 216 is connected to operate as a free-running multivibrator between a first state in which its output is high and a second state in which its output is low. The frequency is determined primarily by the values of the resistors 217, 218, 219 and 220 and the value of the capacitor 225 but the frequency is also controlled, in part, by a feedback circuit from the output transistor 206, including the transistor 222.

In operation of the circuitry as thus far described, when the output of the amplifier 216 goes high, a signal is applied through resistor 215 and capacitor 214 to the base of the output transistor 206 to cause current to rise in the primary winding 196 of transformer 195. Current flows through the resistor 207 and the voltage thereacross rises and is transmitted, through the operation of the transistor 222, to the minus input of the amplifier 216 to turn the amplifier 216 off and to discontinue conduction of the output transistor 206. The magnitude of the current required for this operation and thereby the timing are controlled by adjustment of the potentiometer 224 which serves as an output voltage adjustment potentiometer since the magnitude of the output voltage is a function of the "on" time versus the "off" time of transistor 206.

In addition to the adjustable control of output voltage, an automatic current control circuit is provided which includes the optical coupler 200 having its input diode 199 coupled in parallel with the resistor 197 in series in the output circuit, to sense the output current. The optical coupler 200 also includes an output phototransistor 228 connected in parallel with a capacitor 229 between the line 185 and a line 230 which is connected through a resistor 231 to the minus input of the operational amplifier 216. When the output current is higher than an amount determined by resistor 197, which may be about 2.0 ma, the light emitted by the diode 199 causes the phototransistor 228 to conduct and a current is applied through the resistor 231 to make the minus input of the amplifier 216 more positive and to cause it to shift from one state to another at an earlier time and to reduce the output voltage which, in turn, reduces the output current.

Another control circuit is provided for limiting the maximum open circuit voltage. In particular, a feedback winding 232 is provided on the transformer 195, one terminal of which is connected to the line terminal 177 and the other terminal of which is connected through a resistor 233 to the emitter of a transistor 234, the collector of which is connected to the line 230 and the base of which is connected to the line 185. A capacitor 235 is connected between the emitter of transistor 234 and the line 185. Through the winding 232 and the transistor 234, a control voltage is applied through the resistor 231 to the minus input of amplifier 216 in a manner such as to limit the output voltage during open circuit conditions.

It will be understood that modifications and variations may be perfected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of this invention.

Claims

1. Air filtering apparatus including a low voltage source, ionization means requiring a high DC operating voltage, a step-up transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, driver means for so energizing said primary winding from said low voltage source as to develop a high voltage of alternating polarity in said secondary winding, and rectifier means for rectifying said high voltage to apply a high DC voltage to said ionization means, said driver means including an output transistor connecting said primary winding to said low voltage source, and an oscillator circuit means associated with said output transistor and operable at a high frequency to periodically switch between first and second states and to switch said output transistor between conductive and non-conductive conditions for developing high voltage in said secondary winding, said low voltage source comprising a first supply voltage section including a first capacitor arranged to be charged in one direction for applying a first DC operating voltage through said output transistor to said primary winding and a second supply voltage section including a capacitor arranged to be charged in one direction for supplying a second DC operating voltage to said oscillator circuit means, common low voltage rectifier means for both of said supply voltage sections, and means connecting said first and second capacitors of said first and second supply voltage sections in series with each other and through said low voltage rectifier means to a pair of AC supply lines to simultaneously charge both of said capacitors in said one direction from current flow in one direction through said rectifier means, each of said first and second DC operating voltages thereby being a fraction of the peak voltage developed between said pair of AC supply lines.

2. In apparatus as defined in claim 1, voltage limiting and regulating means connected to said second supply voltage section for maintaining said second DC operating voltage at a substantially constant value.

3. In apparatus as defined in claim 1, current sensing means for sensing the output current applied to said ionization means, and coupling means between said current sensing means and said oscillator circuit means for responding to an increase in said output current above a certain value to immediately switch said oscillator circuit to said first state and said output transistor to said non-conductive condition.

4. In apparatus as defined in claim 3, said coupling means comprising an optical coupler device operative to electrically isolate the secondary circuit of said transformer from said low voltage power supply.

5. In air filtering apparatus for operation from a low voltage source and including ionization means requiring a high DC operating voltage, a step-up transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, capacitor means connected in parallel relationship with said primary winding means, an output transistor having main current-carrying electrodes and a control electrode, means connecting one terminal of said primary winding to one terminal of said low voltage source, means connecting the other terminal of said primary winding to one of said main current-carrying electrodes, means including a resistor connecting the other of said main current-carrying electrodes to the other terminal of said low voltage source, a driver transistor having main current-carrying electrodes and a control electrode, means connecting one of said main current-carrying electrodes of said driver transistor to said one of said main current-carrying electrodes of said output transistor, means connecting the other of said main current-carrying electrodes of said driver transistor to said control electrode of said output transistor, a clamping transistor having main current-carrying electrodes and a control electrode, means connecting one of said main current-carrying electrodes of said clamping transistor to said control electrode of said output transistor, means connecting the other of said main current-carrying electrodes of said clamping transistor to said other of said low voltage source terminals, control means connected to said control electrodes of said driver and clamping transistors and also connected to said other of said main current-carrying electrodes of said output transistor, said control means including oscillator means having first and second states and being arranged to respond to switching from said second state to said first state to switch back to said second state after a delay time interval, said control means in said second state of said oscillator means being operable to apply a control signal to said control electrode of said driver transistor to initiate conduction thereof and to cause conduction of said output transistor, said oscillator means being operative in response to an increase in the voltage across said resistor above a certain voltage level to be switched to said first state, and said control means being operative in said first state of said oscillator means to apply control signals to said control electrodes of said driver and clamping transistors to cut off conduction of said driver transistor and initiate conduction of said clamping transistor and to thereby substantially instantaneously terminate conduction through said output transistor.

6. In apparatus as defined in claim 5, rectifier means connected to said secondary winding to develop said high DC operating voltage, voltage-divider means coupled to said rectifier means to develop a control voltage equal to a small fraction of said high DC operating voltage, and means applying said control voltage to said oscillator means to control said delay time interval of switching from said first state to said second state in proportion to said control voltage.