U.S. patent application number 14/270574 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-07 for ductless fumehood system.
This patent application is currently assigned to FIPAK Research And Development Company. The applicant listed for this patent is FIPAK Research And Development Company. Invention is credited to Francois P. Hauville.
Application Number | 20160195286 14/270574 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38834163 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160195286 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hauville; Francois P. |
July 7, 2016 |
DUCTLESS FUMEHOOD SYSTEM
Abstract
A ductless fumehood system, the system comprising: at least one
ductless fumehood, the ductless fumehood comprising: a housing; a
workspace formed within the housing; a door for selectively closing
off the workspace; an air inlet for introducing air into the
workspace; a master module for receiving air from the workspace,
purging unwanted substances from that air, and then exhausting that
filtered air to the ambient room atmosphere, wherein the master
module comprises: a master module filter; a master module filter
sensor for determining proper functioning of the master module
filter; a master module exhaust fan for moving air from the
workspace, through the master module filter and out into the
ambient room atmosphere; a master module alarm for alerting an
operator of a function failure within the ductless fumehood; and a
master module central processing unit for (i) controlling the
operation of the active elements of the master module, (ii)
detecting a function failure of the master module, and (iii)
activating the master module alarm in the event of a failure within
the master module; and at least one slave module for receiving air
from the workspace, purging unwanted substances from that air, and
then exhausting that filtered air to the ambient room atmosphere,
wherein the slave module comprises: a slave module filter; a slave
module filter sensor for determining proper functioning of the
slave module filter; a slave module exhaust fan for moving air from
the workspace, through the slave module filter and out into the
ambient room atmosphere; wherein the at least one slave module is
in communication with the master module such that the master module
central processing unit is capable of (i) controlling the operation
of the active elements of the slave module, (ii) detecting a
function failure of the slave module, and (iii) activating the
master module alarm in the event of a failure within that slave
module. A ductless fumehood system, the system comprising: at least
one ductless fumehood for purging hazardous substances from a
workspace located within the ductless fumehood; and a remote
monitor unit for receiving information from the at least one
ductless fumehood and issuing an alert upon the occurrence of a
pre-determined condition at the at least one ductless fumehood. A
ductless fumehood comprising: a housing; a workspace formed within
the housing; a door for selectively closing off the workspace; an
air inlet for introducing air into the workspace; an air outlet for
removing air from the workspace; a filter system for receiving air
from the air outlet, purging unwanted substances from that air, and
then exhausting that filtered air to the ambient room air; an
alarm; a sensor for monitoring operation of the filter system; a
sensor for monitoring function of the air outlet; a sensor for
monitoring door closure; a sensor monitoring ambient room air; and
a central processing unit for receiving data from the filter
sensor, the air outlet sensor, the door closure sensor and the
ambient room air sensor. A ductless fumehood comprising: a housing;
a workspace formed within the housing; a door for selectively
closing off the workspace; an air inlet for introducing air into
the workspace; a master module for receiving air from the
workspace, purging unwanted substances from that air, and then
exhausting that filtered air to the ambient room atmosphere; at
least one slave module for receiving air from the workspace,
purging unwanted substances from that air, and then exhausting that
filtered air to the ambient room atmosphere; wherein each of the at
least one slave modules communicates with the master module so that
the master module can control operation of, and detect failures
within, each of the slave modules. A ductless fumehood system, the
system comprising: at least one ductless fumehood, the ductless
fumehood comprising: a housing; a workspace formed within the
housing; a door for selectively closing off the workspace; a master
module for receiving ambient room air, purging unwanted substances
from that air, and then passing that filtered air to the workspace,
wherein the master module comprises: a master module filter; a
master module filter sensor for determining proper functioning of
the master module filter; a master module fan for moving air from
the ambient room atmosphere, through the master module filter and
into the workspace; a master module alarm for alerting an operator
of a function failure within the ductless fumehood; and a master
module central processing unit for (i) controlling the operation of
the active elements of the master module, (ii) detecting a function
failure of the master module, and (iii) activating the master
module alarm in the event of a failure within the master module;
and at least one slave module for receiving ambient room air,
purging unwanted substances from that air, and then passing that
filtered air to the workspace, wherein the slave module comprises:
a slave module filter; a slave module filter sensor for determining
proper functioning of the slave module filter; a slave module fan
for moving air from the ambient room atmosphere, through the slave
module filter and into the workspace; wherein the at least one
slave module is in communication with the master module such that
the master module central processing unit is capable of (i)
controlling the operation of the active elements of the slave
module, (ii) detecting a function failure of the slave module, and
(iii) activating the master module alarm in the event of a failure
within that slave module. A ductless fumehood system, the system
comprising: at least one ductless fumehood for isolating a
workspace located within the ductless fumehood from hazardous
substances in the ambient room atmosphere; and a remote monitor
unit for receiving information from the at least one ductless
fumehood and issuing an alert upon the occurrence of a
pre-determined condition at the at least one ductless fumehood. A
ductless fumehood comprising: a housing; a workspace formed within
the housing; a door for selectively closing off the workspace; an
air inlet for introducing air into the ductless fumehood; an air
outlet for removing air from the ductless fumehood; a filter system
for receiving air from the air inlet, purging unwanted substances
from that air, and then exhausting that filtered air to the
workspace; an alarm; a sensor for monitoring operation of the
filter system; a sensor for monitoring function of the air outlet;
a sensor for monitoring door closure; a sensor monitoring ambient
room air; and a central processing unit for receiving data from the
filter sensor, the air outlet sensor, the door closure sensor and
the ambient room air sensor. A ductless fumehood comprising: a
housing; a workspace formed within the housing; a door for
selectively closing off the workspace; an air inlet for introducing
air into the ductless fumehood; a master module for receiving air
from the ambient room atmosphere, purging unwanted substances from
that air, and then passing that filtered air to the workspace; at
least one slave module for receiving air from the ambient room
atmosphere, purging unwanted substances from that air, and then
passing that filtered air to the workspace; wherein each of the at
least one slave modules communicates with the master module so that
the master module can control operation of, and detect failures
within, each of the slave modules.
Inventors: |
Hauville; Francois P.;
(Ipswich, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FIPAK Research And Development Company |
Rowley |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
FIPAK Research And Development
Company
Rowley
MA
|
Family ID: |
38834163 |
Appl. No.: |
14/270574 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12806001 |
Aug 3, 2010 |
8715046 |
|
|
14270574 |
|
|
|
|
11821634 |
Jun 25, 2007 |
7766732 |
|
|
12806001 |
|
|
|
|
60816211 |
Jun 23, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
96/417 ;
454/56 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/30 20180101;
F24F 11/52 20180101; B08B 15/023 20130101; F24F 2003/1614 20130101;
F24F 3/1607 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 3/16 20060101
F24F003/16; F24F 11/00 20060101 F24F011/00; B08B 15/02 20060101
B08B015/02 |
Claims
1.-4. (canceled)
5. A ductless fumehood system, the system comprising: at least one
ductless fumehood for purging hazardous substances from a workspace
located within the ductless fumehood; and a remote monitor unit for
receiving information from the at least one ductless fumehood and
issuing an alert upon the occurrence of a pre-determined condition
at the at least one ductless fumehood.
6. A system according to claim 5 wherein the at least ductless
fumehood communicates with the remote monitor unit via a
communication link, wherein the communication link comprises one
from the group consisting of: a hard-wired connection; and a
wireless connection.
7. A system according to claim 6 wherein the communication link
comprises one from the group consisting of: an electrical wire; an
optical fiber; a telephone landline; a WIFI connection; and a
cellular telephone connection.
8. A system according to claim 5 wherein the remote monitor unit
communicates with at least one of the group consisting of: a
customer safety center; an other entity; a manufacturer; and an
other monitoring service.
9. A system according to claim 8 wherein the remote monitor unit
communicates with at least one of the group via a communication
link, wherein the communication link comprises one from the group
consisting of: a hard-wired connection; and a wireless
connection.
10. A system according to claim 9 wherein the communication link
comprises one from the group consisting of: an electrical wire; an
optical fiber; a telephone landline; a WIFI connection; and a
cellular telephone connection.
11. A system according to claim 5 wherein the pre-determined
condition comprises at least one from the group consisting of:
failure of a filter unit; failure of an outlet fan; failure of
proper door sealing; and detecting a dangerous substance in the
ambient air.
12. A system according to claim 5 wherein the at least one ductless
fumehood comprises: a housing; a workspace formed within the
housing; a door for selectively closing off the workspace; an air
inlet for introducing air into the workspace; an air outlet for
removing air from the workspace; a filter system for receiving air
from the air outlet, purging unwanted substances from that air, and
then exhausting that filtered air to the ambient room air; and an
alarm.
13. A system according to claim 12 wherein the at least one
ductless fumehood further comprises: a sensor for monitoring
operation of the filter system; a sensor for monitoring function of
the air outlet; a sensor for monitoring door closure; and a sensor
monitoring ambient room air.
14. A system according to claim 13 wherein the at least one
ductless fumehood further comprises a central processing unit for
receiving data from the filter sensor, the air outlet sensor, the
door closure sensor and the ambient room air sensor.
15. A system according to claim 14 wherein the at least one
ductless fumehood further comprises a touchscreen display monitor
for facilitating communication between the central processing unit
and a user.
16. A system according to claim 5 wherein the at least one ductless
fumehood further comprises a card reader, and further wherein the
at least one ductless fumehood is enabled only when an appropriate
access card is disposed in the card reader.
17. A system according to claim 12 wherein the filter system
comprises a plurality of modular filter units.
18. A system according to claim 5 wherein the system comprises a
plurality of ductless fumehoods.
19.-25. (canceled)
26. A ductless fumehood system, the system comprising: at least one
ductless fumehood for isolating a workspace located within the
ductless fumehood from hazardous substances in the ambient room
atmosphere; and a remote monitor unit for receiving information
from the at least one ductless fumehood and issuing an alert upon
the occurrence of a pre-determined condition at the at least one
ductless fumehood.
27.-28. (canceled)
29. A method for monitoring a ductless fumehood system, the method
comprising: providing a ductless fumehood system, the system
comprising: at least one ductless fumehood for purging hazardous
substances from a workspace located within the ductless fumehood;
and a remote monitor unit for receiving information from the at
least one ductless fumehood and issuing an alert upon the
occurrence of a pre-determined condition at the at least one
ductless fumehood; monitoring the at least one ductless fumehood;
and upon occurrence of a pre-determined condition of the at least
one ductless fumehood, issuing an alert.
30. A method for monitoring a ductless fumehood system, the method
comprising: providing a ductless fumehood system, the system
comprising: at least one ductless fumehood for isolating a
workspace located within the ductless fumehood from hazardous
substances in the ambient room atmosphere; and a remote monitor
unit for receiving information from the at least one ductless
fumehood and issuing an alert upon the occurrence of a
pre-determined condition at the at least one ductless fumehood;
monitoring the at least one ductless fumehood; and upon occurrence
of a pre-determined condition of the at least one ductless
fumehood, issuing an alert.
Description
REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application claims benefit of prior U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/816,211, filed Jun. 23,
2006 by Francois P. Hauville for MODULAR FILTRATION SYSTEM WITHOUT
DUCTING, AND EQUIPPED WITH A MANAGEMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING A REMOTE
INTERCOMMUNICATION SYSTEM DESIGNED TO ENSURE THE SAFE USE OF
DUCTLESS FILTERING FUME HOODS, PRIMARILY IN A LABORATORY SETTING
(Attorney's Docket No. FIPAK-6 PROV), which patent application is
hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to air filtration systems in general,
and more particularly to ductless fumehoods for purging hazardous
substances from the air.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Air filtration systems are used in many situations to purge
unwanted substances from the air. Such air filtration systems
generally exist in a variety of forms, depending upon their use and
function.
[0004] One type of air filtration system is the ductless fumehood.
Ductless fumehoods provide a protected enclosure for isolating a
workspace from an ambient atmosphere, in order that dangerous
substances may be handled safely in the workspace without
endangering nearby personnel and the surrounding environment.
[0005] More particularly, and looking now at FIG. 1, there is shown
a typical prior art ductless fumehood 5. Ductless fumehood 5
generally comprises an enclosed workspace 10 accessed by a front
door 15, with front door 15 engaging a sash 20 when the enclosed
workspace is "sealed". An air inlet 25 admits ambient air into
enclosed workspace 10, and an air outlet 30 removes air from
enclosed workspace 10. Air from air outlet 30 is passed through a
filter 35 before being released to the ambient air (e.g., the room
air within a laboratory). Filter 35 removes hazardous substances
from the air, thereby rendering the air safe before it is vented to
the ambient air. An outlet fan 40 is generally provided at air
outlet 30 so as to keep enclosed workspace 10 at a negative
pressure differential relative to the ambient air, in order to
ensure that any air within the enclosed workspace passes through
filter 35 before being vented to the ambient air. A sensor 45 is
generally provided at the outlet of filter 35 so as to ensure that
the filter purges any hazardous substances from the workspace air
before that air is then vented to the ambient air. Outlet fan 40
and sensor 45 are generally connected to an alarm 50 which can
alert the operator in the event that outlet fan 40 and/or sensor 45
fail.
[0006] Ductless fumehoods have become popular due to their
technical effectiveness, low acquisition and implementation costs,
rapid installation, and substantial energy savings. More
particularly, with proper filter selection, ductless fumehoods can
be extremely effective in removing hazardous materials from the
air. Furthermore, due to their simple design and their ductless
nature, ductless fumehoods are relatively inexpensive to buy and
relatively inexpensive to implement, since they do not require the
extensive engineering and installation efforts normally associated
with ducted fumehoods. Furthermore, installation is very fast,
since ductless fumehoods require little more than uncrating and
initial setup and testing before use. Ductless fumehoods are also
quite energy efficient, since they return the filtered air to the
room rather than venting it to the outside atmosphere. As a result,
already-heated air is retained in the room during winter and
already-cooled air is retained in the room during summer.
[0007] Despite the significant advantages associated with ductless
fumehoods, current ductless fumehoods have nonetheless encountered
certain resistance in the marketplace. This is generally due to
concerns about the risk of failure in the filtration system. More
particularly, while conventional ductless fumehoods generally have
their outlet fan 40 and sensor 45 connected to an alarm 50 which
can alert the operator if outlet fan 40 and/or sensor 45 should
fail, they still require that the operator be in the general
vicinity of the ductless fumehood and that the operator be somewhat
attentive. This can be of concern when the ductless fumehood is
located in a loud and/or otherwise distracting environment, and/or
when placed in the hands of poorly trained and/or unreliable
personnel. Furthermore, this can present an administrative problem
when the ductless fumehoods are deployed in large numbers and
dispersed throughout several laboratories. Due to these concerns
and inconveniences, some safety organizations have advised against
the use of ductless fumehoods even though ductless fumehoods can
offer significant advantages in the areas of technical
effectiveness, low acquisition and implementation costs, rapid
installation, and substantial energy savings.
[0008] In addition to the foregoing, current ductless fumehoods are
not modular. As a result, when a new fumehood model with a
different filter capacity must be produced, manufacturers must
fabricate a new filtration system and all of its command and
control elements. Thus, manufacturers must provide filtration
systems in a variety of capacities and dimensions, which multiplies
both the number of different fumehood models which must be
manufactured as well as their associated manufacturing costs.
Furthermore, the administrative burden associated with managing a
large number of these ductless fumehoods can be enormous. As an
illustration of this problem, consider the example of trains
without cars, made up only of locomotives, with each locomotive
having a different seating capacity. The cost of manufacturing
large numbers of different models, and the administrative burdens
associated with managing a fleet of such trains, made up of
countless different models, can be prohibitive. The situation is
currently somewhat analogous for the manufacturers and users of
conventional ductless fumehoods.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] These and other problems associated with conventional
ductless fumehoods are addressed by the present invention, which
comprises a unique ductless fumehood system comprising at least one
ductless fumehood and a remote monitor unit, wherein the at least
one ductless fumehood is connected to the remote monitor unit
through a communication link, such that the remote monitor unit can
monitor one or more ductless fumehoods from a central location and
provide alerts to an operator located at the ductless fumehood, or
to others located at another location, when a failure is detected
at a ductless fumehood.
[0010] In one form of the present invention, there is provided a
ductless fumehood system, the system comprising:
[0011] at least one ductless fumehood, the ductless fumehood
comprising: [0012] a housing; [0013] a workspace formed within the
housing; [0014] a door for selectively closing off the workspace;
[0015] an air inlet for introducing air into the workspace; [0016]
a master module for receiving air from the workspace, purging
unwanted substances from that air, and then exhausting that
filtered air to the ambient room atmosphere, wherein the master
module comprises: [0017] a master module filter; [0018] a master
module filter sensor for determining proper functioning of the
master module filter; [0019] a master module exhaust fan for moving
air from the workspace, through the master module filter and out
into the ambient room atmosphere; [0020] a master module alarm for
alerting an operator of a function failure within the ductless
fumehood; and [0021] a master module central processing unit for
(i) controlling the operation of the active elements of the master
module, (ii) detecting a function failure of the master module, and
(iii) activating the master module alarm in the event of a failure
within the master module; and [0022] at least one slave module for
receiving air from the workspace, purging unwanted substances from
that air, and then exhausting that filtered air to the ambient room
atmosphere, wherein the slave module comprises: [0023] a slave
module filter; [0024] a slave module filter sensor for determining
proper functioning of the slave module filter; [0025] a slave
module exhaust fan for moving air from the workspace, through the
slave module filter and out into the ambient room atmosphere;
[0026] wherein the at least one slave module is in communication
with the master module such that the master module central
processing unit is capable of (i) controlling the operation of the
active elements of the slave module, (ii) detecting a function
failure of the slave module, and (iii) activating the master module
alarm in the event of a failure within that slave module.
[0027] In another form of the present invention, there is provided
a ductless fumehood system comprising:
[0028] at least one ductless fumehood for purging hazardous
substances from a workspace located within the ductless fumehood;
and
[0029] a remote monitor unit for receiving information from the at
least one ductless fumehood and issuing an alert upon the
occurrence of a pre-determined condition at the at least one
ductless fumehood.
[0030] In another form of the present invention, there is provided
a ductless fumehood system comprising a ductless fumehood
comprising:
[0031] a housing;
[0032] a workspace formed within the housing;
[0033] a door for selectively closing off the workspace;
[0034] an air inlet for introducing air into the workspace;
[0035] an air outlet for removing air from the workspace;
[0036] a filter system for receiving air from the air outlet,
purging unwanted substances from that air, and then exhausting that
filtered air to the ambient room air;
[0037] an alarm;
[0038] a sensor for monitoring operation of the filter system;
[0039] a sensor for monitoring function of the air outlet;
[0040] a sensor for monitoring door closure;
[0041] a sensor monitoring ambient room air; and
[0042] a central processing unit for receiving data from the filter
sensor, the air outlet sensor, the door closure sensor and the
ambient room air sensor.
[0043] In another form of the present invention, there is provided
a ductless fumehood comprising:
[0044] a housing;
[0045] a workspace formed within the housing;
[0046] a door for selectively closing off the workspace;
[0047] an air inlet for introducing air into the workspace;
[0048] a master module for receiving air from the workspace,
purging unwanted substances from that air, and then exhausting that
filtered air to the ambient room atmosphere;
[0049] at least one slave module for receiving air from the
workspace, purging unwanted substances from that air, and then
exhausting that filtered air to the ambient room atmosphere;
[0050] wherein each of the at least one slave modules communicates
with the master module so that the master module can control
operation of, and detect failures within, each of the slave
modules.
[0051] In another form of the present invention, there is provided
a ductless fumehood system, the system comprising:
[0052] at least one ductless fumehood, the ductless fumehood
comprising: [0053] a housing; [0054] a workspace formed within the
housing; [0055] a door for selectively closing off the workspace;
[0056] a master module for receiving ambient room air, purging
unwanted substances from that air, and then passing that filtered
air to the workspace, wherein the master module comprises: [0057] a
master module filter; [0058] a master module filter sensor for
determining proper functioning of the master module filter; [0059]
a master module fan for moving air from the ambient room
atmosphere, through the master module filter and into the
workspace; [0060] a master module alarm for alerting an operator of
a function failure within the ductless fumehood; and [0061] a
master module central processing unit for (i) controlling the
operation of the active elements of the master module, (ii)
detecting a function failure of the master module, and (iii)
activating the master module alarm in the event of a failure within
the master module; and [0062] at least one slave module for
receiving ambient room air, purging unwanted substances from that
air, and then passing that filtered air to the workspace, wherein
the slave module comprises: [0063] a slave module filter; [0064] a
slave module filter sensor for determining proper functioning of
the slave module filter; [0065] a slave module fan for moving air
from the ambient room atmosphere, through the slave module filter
and into the workspace; [0066] wherein the at least one slave
module is in communication with the master module such that the
master module central processing unit is capable of (i) controlling
the operation of the active elements of the slave module, (ii)
detecting a function failure of the slave module, and (iii)
activating the master module alarm in the event of a failure within
that slave module.
[0067] In another form of the present invention, there is provided
a ductless fumehood system, the system comprising:
[0068] at least one ductless fumehood for isolating a workspace
located within the ductless fumehood from hazardous substances in
the ambient room atmosphere; and
[0069] a remote monitor unit for receiving information from the at
least one ductless fumehood and issuing an alert upon the
occurrence of a pre-determined condition at the at least one
ductless fumehood.
[0070] In another form of the present invention, there is provided
a ductless fumehood comprising:
[0071] a housing;
[0072] a workspace formed within the housing;
[0073] a door for selectively closing off the workspace;
[0074] an air inlet for introducing air into the ductless
fumehood;
[0075] an air outlet for removing air from the ductless
fumehood;
[0076] a filter system for receiving air from the air inlet,
purging unwanted substances from that air, and then exhausting that
filtered air to the workspace;
[0077] an alarm;
[0078] a sensor for monitoring operation of the filter system;
[0079] a sensor for monitoring function of the air outlet;
[0080] a sensor for monitoring door closure;
[0081] a sensor monitoring ambient room air; and
[0082] a central processing unit for receiving data from the filter
sensor, the air outlet sensor, the door closure sensor and the
ambient room air sensor.
[0083] In another form of the present invention, there is provided
a ductless fumehood comprising:
[0084] a housing;
[0085] a workspace formed within the housing;
[0086] a door for selectively closing off the workspace;
[0087] an air inlet for introducing air into the ductless
fumehood;
[0088] a master module for receiving air from the ambient room
atmosphere, purging unwanted substances from that air, and then
passing that filtered air to the workspace;
[0089] at least one slave module for receiving air from the ambient
room atmosphere, purging unwanted substances from that air, and
then passing that filtered air to the workspace;
[0090] wherein each of the at least one slave modules communicates
with the master module so that the master module can control
operation of, and detect failures within, each of the slave
modules.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0091] These and other objects and features of the present
invention will be more fully disclosed or rendered obvious by the
following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the
present invention, which are to be considered together with the
accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and
further wherein:
[0092] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a prior art ductless
fumehood;
[0093] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a novel ductless fumehood
system formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0094] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a novel ductless fumehood
formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0095] FIGS. 4 and 5 are an exemplary validation questionnaire for
determining the appropriate filter to be used for a given
chemical;
[0096] FIG. 6 is an exemplary listing showing the appropriate
filter to be used for a given chemical; and
[0097] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing an exemplary magnetic
card for identification and for activation of a fumehood; and
[0098] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a novel fumehood
incorporating a master module and one slave module.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0099] Looking next at FIG. 2, there is shown a ductless fumehood
system 100 formed in accordance with the present invention.
Ductless fumehood system 100 generally comprises at least one, and
preferably a plurality of, ductless fumehoods 105, and a remote
monitor unit 106, wherein ductless fumehoods 105 are connected to
remote monitor unit 106 through a communication link 107, such that
remote monitor unit 106 can monitor ductless fumehoods 105 from a
central location and provide alerts to an operator located at a
ductless fumehood when a failure is detected at that ductless
fumehood. Communication link 107 may be a "hard-wired" connection
(e.g., electrical wire or optical fiber) or a "wireless" connection
(e.g., an RF link or a cellular telephone link). Furthermore,
communication link 107 may utilize a conventional or proprietary
protocol. By way of example but not limitation, communication link
107 may comprise a WIFI connection.
[0100] Additionally, remote monitor unit 106 may also be connected
to a customer safety center 108 and/or other entity 109 (e.g., a
local fire department) via a communication link 111, in order to
provide alerts to those parties when a failure is detected at that
ductless fumehood. Communication link 111 may be a "hard-wired"
connection (e.g., electrical wire or optical fiber) or a "wireless"
connection (e.g., an RF link or a cellular telephone link).
Furthermore, communication link 111 may utilize a conventional or
proprietary protocol. By way of example but not limitation,
communication link 111 may comprise an Ethernet connection.
[0101] Furthermore, remote monitor unit 106 may also be connected
to the system's manufacturer 112 and/or to an other monitoring
service 113 via a communication link 114, in order to provide
alerts to those parties when a failure is detected at that ductless
fumehood. Communication link 114 may be a "hard-wired" connection
(e.g., electrical wire or optical fiber) or a "wireless" connection
(e.g., an RF link or a cellular telephone link). Furthermore,
communication link 114 may utilize a conventional or proprietary
protocol. By way of example but not limitation, communication link
114 may comprise a conventional telephone connection.
[0102] More particularly, and looking now at FIG. 3, there is shown
a novel ductless fumehood 105. Ductless fumehood 105 generally
comprises an enclosed workspace 110 accessed by a front door 115,
with front door 115 engaging a sash 120 when the enclosed workspace
is "sealed". An air inlet 125 admits ambient air into enclosed
workspace 110. Air inlet 125 may be a side wall opening similar to
the air inlet 25 shown in FIG. 1; more preferably, however, air
inlet 125 may comprise one or more gaps formed between the base of
front door 115 and the top of sash 120 when front door 115 is in
its fully closed position.
[0103] Each ductless fumehood 105 also comprises a master module M
and, optionally, one or more slave modules S for providing air
filtration functions. Master module M also provides control and
monitoring functions as will hereinafter be discussed in detail. By
way of example but not limitation, the ductless fumehood shown in
FIG. 3 comprises one master module M and three slave modules S.
[0104] As noted above, master module M provides air filtration
functions. To this end, master module M draws air out of workspace
110 and passes that air through a filter before the air is released
to the ambient air (e.g., the room air within a laboratory). More
particularly, master module M includes, among other things, a
filter 135 for removing hazardous substances from the air as the
air is drawn through master module M, thereby rendering the air
safe before it is vented to the ambient air. In this respect it
will be appreciated that the filter media used in filter 135 may
vary in accordance with the specific substance which is to removed
from the air, e.g., for many applications, filter 135 may comprise
activated carbon granules captivated between a pair of screens. An
outlet fan 140 is provided so as to draw air from the enclosed
workspace 110 through filter 135 before being vented to the
atmosphere. A filter sensor 145 is provided at the outlet of filter
135 so as to ensure that the filter purges any hazardous substances
from the workspace air before that air is vented to the ambient
air. An ambient air sensor 146 is mounted to the exterior of master
module M to monitor the ambient air in the vicinity of ductless
fumehood 105. Master module M also comprises a sash monitor 121 to
confirm when front door 115 is in its closed (i.e., sealed)
position against sash 120.
[0105] In accordance with the present invention, master module M
also comprises a central processing unit 147. It will be
appreciated that central processing unit 147 comprises appropriate
electronics and software in order that central processing unit 147
may control operation of the active elements of master module M,
detect any failures of the components of master module M, and also
function in the manner hereinafter described. Central processing
unit 147 is connected to the aforementioned sash monitor 121,
outlet fan 140, filter sensor 145 and ambient air sensor 146.
[0106] Central processing unit 147 is also connected to an alarm
150 which can alert the operator in the event that there is a
system failure, and central processing unit 147 is connected to a
display monitor 155 (e.g., a touchscreen display, or other user
interface such as a computer monitor and keyboard, etc.) in order
that the operator may interface with central processing unit 147.
Central processing unit 147 is also connected to a communication
interface 160 which is connected to the aforementioned
communication link 107, whereby central processing unit 147 may
communicate with remote monitor unit 106.
[0107] By virtue of the foregoing construction, central processing
unit 147 is able to detect when there is a system failure. More
particularly, central processing unit 147 is capable of detecting
when front door 115 is open (by virtue of sash monitor 121), and/or
if outlet fan 140 has failed and/or if filter 135 is not operating
properly (by virtue of filter sensor 145). When such a system
failure is detected, central processing unit 147 activates alarm
150 (and may flash an alert on display monitor 155) so as to alert
the operator. At the same time, central processing unit 147 also
alerts remote monitor unit 106 via communication link 107. Remote
monitor unit 106 can then alert customer safety center 108 and/or
some other entity 109 via communication link 111, as well as alert
manufacturer 112 or some other monitoring service 113 via
communication link 114. Thus, failures in any of the ductless
fumehoods 105 can be monitored remotely via remote monitor unit
106, thereby making it practical and convenient to operate large
numbers of ductless fumehoods 105 in a safe and reliable
manner.
[0108] Furthermore, inasmuch as central processing unit 147 is
connected to ambient air sensor 146, the system is also capable of
monitoring ambient air conditions in the vicinity of each ductless
fumehood 105. Thus, the system also provides a means for detecting
the presence of hazardous substances in the air around each
ductless fumehood 105. Significantly, the system is capable of
detecting the presence of hazardous substances which may emanate
from sources other than the ductless fumehood itself, e.g., the
hazardous substances may emanate from a chemical spill elsewhere in
the laboratory.
[0109] Furthermore, inasmuch as each master module M includes both
a filter sensor 145 and an ambient sensor 146, the system is
capable of differentiating a global hazard from a local hazard.
More particularly, when filter sensor 145 is detecting the presence
of a hazardous substance and ambient sensor 146 is not, the hazard
is likely to be associated with a local filter failure. However,
when filter sensor 145 is not detecting the presence of a hazardous
substance and ambient sensor 146 is, the hazard is likely to be
associated with a global hazard event.
[0110] In addition to the foregoing, central processing units 147,
remote monitor unit 106, and/or any of the other entities (e.g.,
customer safety center 108, other entity 109, manufacturer 112,
and/or other monitoring service 113) may keep a log of system
operation. Logged events may include system failures, filter
replacements, door openings, responsiveness of operators to alerts,
etc.
[0111] As noted above, each ductless fumehood 105 may also comprise
one or more slave modules S. Slave modules S also provide air
filtration functions. To this end, each slave module S comprises a
filter 135, a filter sensor 145 and an outlet fan 140. Outlet fan
140 draws air from workspace 110 up through filter 135 before
venting the filtered air into the ambient room atmosphere. Filter
sensor 145 monitors the function of filter 135. Thus, each slave
module S is capable of purging unwanted substances from the air
within workspace 110 before venting that air into the ambient room
atmosphere. Significantly, each slave module S in ductless fumehood
105 is electrically connected to the master module M provided for
that ductless fumehood, in order that central processing unit 147
can control operation of the active elements of each slave module S
and detect any failures in any of the components (e.g., filter
sensor 145 or outlet fan 140) of any of the slave modules S.
[0112] Thus it will be seen that each ductless fumehood 105
includes an enclosed workspace 110 and a master module M, and may
include one or more slave modules S. In fact, each ductless
fumehood 105 includes as many slave modules S as are necessary to
provide, in conjunction with the air filtering capacity already
provided by that fumehood's master module M, the appropriate filter
capacity for workspace 110. Thus, for a ductless fumehood 105
having a length X, one master module M and no slave modules S might
be provided; for a ductless fumehood 105 having a length (X+Y), one
master module M and one slave module S might be provided (FIG. 8);
for a ductless fumehood 105 having a length (X+Y+Z), one master
module M and three slave modules S might be provided (FIG. 3). In
essence, any desired filter capacity can be provided for any
ductless fumehood, simply providing one master module M and as many
slave modules S as may be needed.
[0113] Thus it will be seen that manufacturing, inventory and
service requirements will be dramatically reduced through use of
the present invention, since only two types of air filtering
modules (i.e., master modules M and slave modules S) need be
manufactured, inventoried and serviced, regardless of the size
ductless fumehoods which are to be produced. In fact, in this
respect it should be appreciated that slave modules S are in
essence a simplified form of master module M, since they include
the air filtering components (e.g., filter 135, filter sensor 145
and outlet fan 140) but omit the control and communication
components (e.g., central processing unit 147, communications
interface 160, etc.). Or viewed another way, the master module M is
essentially an enhanced form of slave module S, since the master
module includes components in addition to those provided in a slave
module S (e.g., the control and communication components). As a
result, slave modules S and master modules M can share many common
elements, thereby further simplifying manufacturing, inventory and
service requirements, and hence further reducing cost. In fact,
before receiving the components that differentiate the master
modules M from the slave modules S, the modules are identical to
one another, and therefore can be manufactured in high volumes,
which provides a substantial economic advantage.
[0114] Central processing unit 147 may also, in conjunction with
other appropriate hardware, provide additional functionality to the
ductless fumehood 105. This functionality may include, but is not
limited to:
[0115] (i) the provision of an audio-visual video program displayed
on an appropriately-sized display monitor 155--the program could be
a live or pre-recorded audio-visual feed designed to provide a user
with relevant information--by way of example but not limitation,
the program could be intended to provide students with remote
access to experiments performed within another ductless fumehood by
a professor, or the program might intended to provide students with
a step-by-step procedure for conducting an experiment; and/or
[0116] (ii) the provision of a database identifying those chemicals
for which operation of the ductless fumehood is approved;
and/or
[0117] (iii) a sensor detecting the presence or absence of filters
in the ductless fumehood; and/or
[0118] (iv) a bar code reader allowing the fast and accurate
identification of chemicals which will be used within the
fumehood--the bar code reader allows universal product codes (UPC)
to be read from the labels on the chemical containers, etc.
[0119] Central processing unit 147 is preferably also programmed to
manage, in an interactive manner, each of the functions of each of
the modules, in order to ensure that each of the modules remains
within its operational limits as determined by the
manufacturer.
[0120] The central processing unit is preferably configured in such
a way that it transfers all of the data gathered for its associated
ductless fumehood to the communications interface 160, for
subsequent transfer to remote monitor unit 106.
[0121] The information emitted by each or all of the ductless
fumehoods 105 is then preferably gathered by an appropriate
wireless transmitter/receiver placed within a computer separate
from each or all of the ductless filtering fume hoods (i.e., remote
monitor unit 106). This computer is programmed to interactively
manage the information coming from each or all of the ductless
fumehoods. This information can be placed at the disposal of the
person or persons in charge of safety so as to permit them to
remotely manage one or all of the ductless fumehoods in order to
ensure proper functioning or maintenance. In other words, remote
monitor unit 106 can report to customer safety center 108, and/or
an other entity 109, and/or manufacturer 112 and/or other
monitoring service 113.
[0122] With this arrangement it is possible to send the information
gathered by the system at one or all of the ductless fumehoods, via
the Internet or other communication link, to another location, in
order to be managed by another entity, for example, a service and
control department of the manufacturer.
[0123] In one preferred form of the present invention, prior to
purchasing the ductless fumehoods, a questionnaire (see FIGS. 4 and
5) is provided to the user who, in turn, indicates the chemicals
that he/she intends to use within the ductless fumehood. Upon
receipt of this data, the manufacturer validates the use of the
ductless fumehood for the intended chemicals (see FIG. 6).
[0124] Preferably, upon receipt of a purchase order from the user,
the manufacturer provides an access card (preferably similar to a
credit card) on which is recorded various pertinent information,
including the chemicals previously validated for use in the
fumehood. See FIG. 7. This access card preferably indicates the
name of the user who completed the questionnaire, and the access
card is used by the user to operate (i.e., turn on or off) the
ductless fumehood. In order for this operation to take place, the
ductless fumehood is equipped with an electronic card reader 156
(see FIG. 3) for regulating fumehood use. The user inserts their
access card into the card reader and the access card will remain
there during use of the ductless fumehood. Removing the access card
turns off the ductless fumehood. Furthermore, the access card
provides a means for limiting use of the fumehood to authorized
users.
[0125] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a ductless fumehood 105
utilizing one master module M and one slave module S.
Additional Comments Regarding The Invention
[0126] Thus it will be seen that, with the present invention, a
number of sensors and interactive detectors placed within the
ductless filtering fume hood modules are linked to a processor
(e.g., a central processing unit) placed within one of the modules
(e.g., the master module M) that controls the active elements of
all the other modules (e.g., the slave or "dummy" modules S); for
example, sensors and detectors are placed within elements such as,
but not limited to, fans or blowers, face velocity meters, gas
detectors and lighting. This processor also controls the activation
of the working modules that constitute the ductless filtering
fumehood. In other words, these sensors and detectors are linked to
the management processor and to all of the functions (provided or
to be provided) of all of the modules that make up the ductless
filtering fumehood such as, for example: an audio-visual video
system designed to provide students with remote access to
experiments performed within the hood by a professor in cases when
the ductless filtering fumehood is used in the educational sector,
or a database allowing the operation of a chemical listing, or a
sensor detecting the presence of filters, or also a bar code reader
allowing the identification of chemical molecules from the bottles
that contain them, etc. The electronic processor is programmed to
manage in an interactive manner each of the functions of the
modules so that they react and act upon the elements of the modules
of the ductless filtering fumehood in order to maintain within
their limits the settings determined by the manufacturer.
[0127] This central processing unit is configured in such a way
that it transfers all of the gathered information towards an
electronic board placed within the main or master module M that
reads the information and also transfers this information towards a
remote transmitting and receiving wireless system also placed
within the master module M.
[0128] The information emitted by each or all of the ductless
filtering fumehoods is then gathered by an appropriate wireless
transmitter receiver placed within a computer separate from each or
all of the ductless filtering fumehoods. This computer is equipped
with a program specially designed by the manufacturer of the
ductless filtering fumehood to interactively manage each or all of
the information coming from each or all of the ductless filtering
fumehoods. This construction can be placed at the disposal of the
person or people in charge of safety so as to permit them to
remotely manage one or all ductless filtering fumehoods in order to
insure proper functioning or maintenance.
[0129] With this arrangement it will also be possible to send the
information gathered by the system of one or all of the ductless
filtering fumehoods, via the Internet, in order to be managed by a
service and control department of the manufacturer.
[0130] The filtration portion of the ductless filtering fumehood is
comprised of one or more filtration modules that make up, by
multiplication, the length of the hood. For example the modules
will preferentially have a length of 40 centimeters or 16 inches.
The command or main module M will be linked to the other slave or
"dummy" modules S by electrical connectors so that the
interactivity of commands or information coming from the central
processing unit (found on the command or main module M) can be
transferred to the active elements of all the modules. The
inconveniences coming from the use of non-modular systems to
constitute a multitude of fumehood sizes have been described above.
The advantages of using modular systems are therefore clear,
specifically in the case of putting together an intercommunication
system such as the one described above.
Reversed Airflow
[0131] In the preceding discussion, ductless fumehood 105 is
discussed in the context of a fumehood designed to protect
personnel and the environment from the contents of workspace 110,
i.e., filter 135 filters air as that air passes from workspace 110
to the ambient room atmosphere. However, it should also be
appreciated that the present invention can be applied to situations
where ductless fumehood 105 is designed to protect the contents of
workspace 110 from substances in the ambient room air. In this
case, outlet fan 140 is reconfigured so that it operates as an
inlet fan, i.e., it moves ambient room air into the fumehood
through filter 135, so that the ambient room air is filtered before
it is moved into workspace 110. Openings in ductless fumehood 105
then permit the air in workspace 110 to pass back into the ambient
room atmosphere.
Modifications of the Preferred Embodiments
[0132] It should be understood that many additional changes in the
details, operation, steps and arrangements of elements, which have
been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the
nature of the present invention, may be made by those skilled in
the art while still remaining within the principles and scope of
the invention.
* * * * *