Patent Publication Number: US-10319569-B2

Title: Self cleaning ion generator device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
     The current application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/971,050, filed on Dec. 16, 2015 and titled “Self-Cleaning Ion Generator,” which claims the benefit of the earlier priority filing date of the provisional application, Ser. No. 62/094,684, that was filed on Dec. 19, 2014. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of air treatment, and more particularly to the treatment of air using ionization that has a self-cleaning mechanism for cleaning the electrodes of an ionization device without having to remove the device from the conduit or duct. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Air and other fluids are commonly treated and delivered for a variety of applications. For example, in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) applications, air may be heated, cooled, humidified, dehumidified, filtered or otherwise treated for delivery into residential, commercial or other spaces. 
     Needs exist for improved systems and methods of treating and delivering air for these and other applications. It is to the provision of improved systems and methods meeting these needs that the present invention is primarily directed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention a self-cleaning ion generator device includes a housing having at least an arcuate portion, at least one electrode extending from the housing, and a cleaning apparatus for cleaning the at least one electrode. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, a self-cleaning ion generator device wherein the housing includes a top portion and a bottom portion. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a self-cleaning ion generator device that includes a cleaning apparatus powered by a motor for rotation during periodic intervals. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a self-cleaning ion generator device wherein the housing has a top portion, a bottom portion, and a mounting portion engaging the bottom portion and the top portion. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a self-cleaning ion generator device that includes a bottom portion selectively secured to a mounting portion, and the top portion is selectively secured to the mounting portion. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a self-cleaning ion generator device that includes at least one electrode selectively secured to an ion generator disposed within the housing. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a self-cleaning ion generator device that includes at least two electrodes spaced apart and extending from the housing. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a self-cleaning ion generator device that includes a collar extending from the device for mounting the device. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a self-cleaning ion generator device that includes at least one electrode that consists of a plurality of bristles extending therefrom. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a self-cleaning ion generator device that includes a housing having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a sidewall, a mounting portion engaged to the housing, at least one electrode extending from the housing, and a cleaning apparatus for cleaning the at least one electrode. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a self-cleaning ion generator device that includes an ion generator housed within the housing for receiving the at least one electrode. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a self-cleaning ion generator device that includes a motor housed within the housing and rotationally engaged to the cleaning apparatus for activating the cleaning apparatus at a predetermined interval. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a self-cleaning ion generator device that includes a circuit board within the housing 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of producing ions that includes providing an ion generator with at least one electrode and having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a sidewall, and a cleaning apparatus for cleaning the at least one electrode. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of producing ions that includes providing a motor and cleaning head for self-cleaning. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of producing ions that includes providing a motor for rotationally engaging the cleaning apparatus. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of producing ions that includes a collar for mounting the device to the conduit. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of producing ions that includes mounting the device after a prefilter and before a cooling coil. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of producing ions wherein the self-cleaning device is integral to the ion device structure or designed for post installation to an ion device with at least one electrode to provide self-cleaning. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote like method steps and/or system components, respectively, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of the self-cleaning ion generator device; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the self-cleaning ion generator device; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the self-cleaning ion generator device; 
         FIG. 4  is a cut-away side view of the self-cleaning ion generator device; 
         FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of the self-cleaning ion generator device installed in an duct; 
         FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of the locking tab; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the circuit board; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram of the circuit board; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the mounting portion; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the self-cleaning ion generator device; 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom perspective view of the self-cleaning ion generator device; 
         FIG. 12  is a side perspective view of the self-cleaning ion generator device; and 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of an alternative arrangement of the ion terminals. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. 
     Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. 
     Referring now specifically to the drawings, a self-cleaning ion generator device is illustrated in  FIG. 1  and is shown generally at reference numeral  10 . The device  10  includes a housing having a bottom portion  12  and a top portion  14 . The top portion  12  and the bottom portion  14  may be engaged to each other, or alternatively, a mounting portion  16  may be used to engage the top portion  12  and the bottom portion  14 . The top portion  14  may be selectively secured to the bottom portion  12 , or alternatively, the top portion  14  may be selectively secured to the mounting portion  16  and the bottom portion  12  may be selectively secured to the mounting portion  16 . 
     The bottom portion  12  may be generally circular and extends outward to an outer edge with the bottom portion  12  having an exterior side and an interior side. An outer ring  18  extends generally upwardly from the outer edge of the bottom portion  12  to an upper edge. Inside the interior of the outer ring  18 , an inner ring  20  extends generally upwardly from the interior side of the bottom portion to an upper edge. A cavity  22  is formed within the interior of the inner ring  20 . The outer ring  18  and inner ring  20  are in a spaced-apart relationship and creating a space between the outer ring  18  and inner ring  20 . A least one key  24  is positioned within this space. 
     The bottom portion  12  contains at least one tab  26  containing a centrally located bore  28 . The centrally located bore  28  is designed to fit overtop a corresponding bore within a base mount or the like that can be positioned within a duct. 
     A terminal  30  is positioned within the cavity  22  of the bottom portion  12 . The terminal is electrically and communicatively coupled to a circuit board  32 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , that is contained within the cavity  22  of the bottom portion  12  and may have a circuit diagram as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The circuit board  32  is not continuous and has air gaps  34  contained therein. The purpose of the air gaps  34  is to prevent the high voltage from jumping to the low voltage area, and preventing the low voltage from jumping to the high voltage area. The cavity  22  may be filled with an epoxy. 
     The circuit board  32  may include a power supply source for providing power to the device  10 . The circuit board  32  is communicatively coupled to an ion generator  36  to produces ions. The power supply provides the electricity to power the ion generator  36 , and thus, produce ions. Additionally, the circuitry also includes a timing circuit for timing a DC stepper motor  38  that engages or is activated at a predetermined time. 
     The mounting portion  16  includes a preferably hollow column  40  surrounded by an outwardly extending collar  42 . The mounting portion  16  has an upper portion, bottom portion, inner surface, and outer surface. The inner surface may be internally threaded. The collar  42  extends outwardly from the outer surface and in close proximity to the bottom portion of the hollow column  40 . Preferably, the collar  42  is positioned in such a way that a portion of the column  40  extends beyond a bottom surface of the collar  42  and a larger portion of the column  40  extends beyond a top surface of the collar  42 . At least one key  44  is positioned on the bottom surface of the collar  42  that mates in a selectively secured relationship with the at least one key  24  contained in the space of the bottom portion  12 . In another alternative embodiment, the space on the bottom portion  12  may contain two or more keys  24  and the bottom surface of the collar  42  may contain two or more keys  44  for mating with the two or more keys  24  on the bottom portion  12  for forming a selectively secured arrangement between the mounting portion  16  and bottom portion  12 . The collar  42  may contain a plurality of ribs disposed thereon. 
     The inner ring  20  of the bottom portion  12  fits within the interior of the hollow column  40  of the mounting portion  16  for forming a selectively secured arrangement between the bottom portion  12  and the mounting portion  16 . The at least one key  44  positioned on the bottom surface of the collar  42  mates in a selectively secured relationship with the at least one key  24  contained in the space of the bottom portion  12  for forming this selectively secured arrangement. 
     The top portion  14  contains an upper surface that extends outwardly to an outer edge and a rim that extends downwardly from the outer edge. A cavity is formed within the upper surface and rim of the top portion. The rim contains an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface may contain external threads. The external threads of the top portion  14  correspond with the internal threads of the mounting portion  16  for forming a selectively secured arrangement between the top portion  12  and mounting portion  16 . 
     The upper surface of the top portion  14  may contain at least one bore  50 , and as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the upper surface of the top portion  14  may contain at least two bores  50 . The bores extend through the upper surface. An ion terminal  52  extends through the at least one bore  50 . In one embodiment, a first high voltage wire or electrode  51  extends from the ion generator  36  through a bore  50  and a second high voltage wire or electrode  51  extends extending from the ion generator  36  through another bore  50 . In one embodiment, a hollow column  40  encircles the bore  50  and extends perpendicularly upward from the top portion  14  of the device  10  for providing support to the first or second high voltage wire or electrode  51 . A hollow column  40  may encircle the bore  50  containing the first high voltage wire or electrode  51 , and a hollow column  40  may encircle the bore  50  containing the second high voltage wire or electrode  51 . The end of the first and second high voltage wire or electrode  51  may contain a brush  53  that contains a plurality of bristles  55  that extend outwardly away from the brush  53 . The brush  53  and its bristles  55  may be made of any material that conducts electricity and the combination of the brush  53  with its bristles  55  and the high voltage wire or electrode  51  may be collectively referred to herein as an electrode  51 . In one embodiment, the bristles  55  of the brush  53  are composed of a thermoplastic polymer imbedded with conductive material that allows the polymer to conduct electricity. For example, the bristles  55  of the brush  53  may be composed of polypropylene or polyethylene and impregnated with carbon. Generally, the bristles  55  of the brush  53  may contain between about 20 to about 80 wt % polypropylene copolymer or polyethylene copolymer, between about 5 to about 40 wt % talc, and from about 5 to 40 wt % carbon black. However, any other resistive, inductive, reactive or conductive plastic or non-metallic material may be utilized for the bristles  55  of the brush  53 . The brushes  53  are replaceable and allowed to be easily disengaged and new bristles  55  may be inserted and retained. 
     In one embodiment, the brush  53  is engaged to the end of the high voltage wires or electrode  51 . The brush  53  may be crimped to the end of the high voltage wires extending outwardly from the device  10 . In another embodiment, the brush  53  is engaged to the end of the high voltage wires extending outwardly from the device  10  by heat shrink. In one embodiment, the high voltage wires come off the transformer on the circuit board  32  at 6500 volts, wherein the first high voltage wire and associated brush deposits a stream of negative ions into the surrounding air and the second high voltage wire and associated brush  53  deposits positive ions into the surrounding air. 
     In another alternative embodiment, the ion terminal  52  may be replaceable. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the ion terminal  52  may have an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and lower portion are separated by a retention ring  54 . The retention ring  54  may be selectively secured to the top portion  14  by a fastening means, such as a screw or the like. Ions flow out of the ion terminal  52  through electrodes  51  positioned on the uppermost section of the upper portion. In the embodiments illustrated herein, the upper portion contains a brush  53  (as described above) that allows ions to flow from the brushes  53 . 
     The lower portion of the ion terminal  52  fits within the bore  50  of the top portion  14  and fits within a bore  70  of the ion generator  36 . The ion generator  36  contains a female portion for releasably receiving the male portion of the lower portion of the ion terminal  52 . The retention ring  54  retains the ion terminal  52  within the top portion  14 . After the ion terminal  52  has been used for a predetermined period of time or when the ion terminal  2  suffers a reduction in effectiveness, the ion terminal  52  may be removed from the top portion  14  and ion generator  36  and replaced with a new one. The lower portion of the ion terminal  52  extends into the cavity of the top portion  14  and into the ion generator  36 . 
     A stepper motor  38  is positioned below the top portion, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . The stepper motor  38  is used to power a cleaning apparatus  58 . The stepper motor  38  contains a terminal for receiving a power supply for providing power to the stepper motor  38 . A rotational arm  60  extends generally outward from the stepper motor  38  and through a generally centrally located bore  62  that extends from the upper surface to the bottom surface of the top portion  14 . The cleaning apparatus  58  is releasably engaged to the rotational arm  60  extending through the bore  62  of the top portion  14 . As illustrated, the cleaning apparatus  58  is releaseably engaged to the rotational arm  60  by a fastening means, such as a bolt  64 . 
     The cleaning apparatus  58  may be T-shaped, or in an alternative embodiment L-shaped. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the T-shaped cleaning apparatus  58  has a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The vertical portion contains a hollow shaft that is releasably engaged to the rotational arm  60 . The horizontal portion extends outwardly from the vertical portion and contains a cleaning head  66  on each end of the vertical portion. The cleaning head  66  may contain any device that may clean the electrode  51  or brushes  53  of the ion terminal  52 . 
     The cleaning apparatus  58  is powered by the DC stepper motor  38  operationally connected to a timing circuit that activates the cleaning apparatus  58  at a predetermined interval. By way of example only, the cleaning apparatus  58  may be activated between every 12 to 24 hours. In one alternative embodiment and as illustrated, the cleaning apparatus  58  is “S” shaped or curved. In other words, when the cleaning apparatus  58  is viewed from above, the cleaning apparatus  58  has an “S” shaped or curved appearance, preventing both cleaning heads  66  from contacting the electrodes  51  or brushes  53  from ion terminal  52  at the same time. While the cleaning apparatus  58  is activated, the device  10  ceases to produce ions, thus preventing any loose particles from sticking to the opposite polarity brush  53 . The cleaning apparatus  58  may be straight, such as a bar as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , or any other shape as desired by the user. 
     The collar  42  of the mounting portion  16  is engaged to a duct, as shown in  FIG. 5 . The top surface of the collar  42  is engaged to the exterior side of a duct. The collar  42  may contain at least one mounting hole  68  that extends between the top surface to the bottom surface, as illustrated in  FIG. 9  for receiving a fastening means for engaging the device  10  to the duct. Fastening means may include a screw, bolt, self-tapping sheet metal screws, spring loaded wing nuts with bolts, and the like. When mounted to a duct or other conduit, the top portion  14  extends within the duct or conduit with the electrodes  51  or brushes  53  extending within the duct and conduit, releasing ions with the duct or conduit. The bottom portion  12  is visible on the exterior of the duct. Preferably, the device  10  is mounted after a prefilter and before the cooling coil in an HVAC system. Alternatively, the device  10  may be mounted on any conduit with air flow, a supply air duct, or a return air duct. The device  10  should be mounted so that air flows over the electrodes  51  or brushes, such as air my flow through the goal posts on a football field. 
     As mentioned above, the bottom portion  12  of the device  10  contains at least one key  24  that corresponds with at least one key  44  on bottom surface of the collar  42  of the mounting portion  16 . The mounting portion  16  is inserted into the bottom portion  12  and the rotation of the bottom portion  12  of the device within the mounting portion  16  allows the keys ( 24 ,  44 ) to mate in a selectively secured arrangement, forming a selectively secured arrangement between the bottom portion  12  and the mounting portion  16 . The keys ( 24 ,  44 ) allow the bottom portion  12  to be selectively secured to the mounting portion  16  in a selectively secured arrangement with less than a quarter turn of either the bottom portion  12  with respect to the mounting portion  16 , or vice versa. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the device  10  includes an alarm feature, including alarm contacts, that are communicatively coupled to a building management system that sends a signal to the building management system if ions are not produced by the device  10 . The building management system then sends an alert informing a user that the device  10  is not producing ions. A test button may also be located on the device  10  to check the motor status during preventive maintenance and a light, such as an LED light, may be illuminated, indicating a cleaning test is being conducted. A light, such as an LED light, may be positioned on the bottom portion  12  that is illuminated and indicating power is being supplied to the device  10 , as shown in  FIG. 3   
     The device  10  may produce approximately equal amounts of positive and negative ions, regardless of airflow velocity or other conditions such as humidity or temperature. In example forms, the device  10  produces positive ions and negative ions in a concentration of at least about 10 9  ions/second, and operates on 24 VAC, 110 VAC or 200 VAC to 240 VAC without the use of an external transformer. In alternate embodiments, the device generates negative ions only, or positive ions only, or generate negative ions and positive ions in unequal quantities. The device  10  optionally utilizes nano-electronic components allowing the device to be very compact, requiring less than 1 watt/ion generator module, for example less than 0.5 watts/ion module, and in further examples less than 0.36 watts per ion module. The bottom portion  12  may contain terminals extending therefrom for connecting the 24 VAC, 110-240 VAC, and neutral input. 
     The device  10  may be positioned and secured in place within a conduit or the housing of the air handler unit, such as a duct, such that the electrodes are aligned generally perpendicularly to the direction of the airflow across the device  10 , to prevent recombination of the positively charged ions with the negatively charged ions. 
     The treatment of air by delivery of bipolar ionization to an airflow within a conduit according to the systems and methods of the present invention may be utilized for various purposes. For example, application of bipolar ionization to an airflow within an HVAC conduit such as an air handler housing or duct may be utilized to abate allergens, pathogens, odors, gases, volatile organic compounds, bacteria, virus, mold, dander, fungus, dust mites, animal and smoke odors, and/or static electricity in a treated air space to which the airflow is directed. Ionization of air in living and working spaces may reduce building related illness and improve indoor air quality; and additionally can reduce the quantity of outside air needed to be mixed with the treated indoor air, reducing heating and cooling costs by enabling a greater degree of air recirculation. 
     During use, once power is provided to the device  10 , the device  10  initiates an internal check on all systems. After initializing and the check has confirmed all systems are operational, a display  31  on the bottom portion  12  will blink “on” and include a visible meter of how many days the device  10  has been powered. After each day of being powered, the display  31  will add a number to the display  31  indicating the number of days the device  10  has been powered. The bottom portion  12  also contains a test button that when pushed, initiates a cleaning cycle of the device  10 , causing the cleaning apparatus  58  to rotate and cleaning the ion terminals  52 . 
     In an alternative embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the bottom portion  12  contains at least one tab  72  containing a centrally located bore  74 . The centrally located bore  74  fits overtop a corresponding bore  76  within a base mount  78  that may be positioned within the duct for easy mounting. The base mount  78  may be affixed to a hole formed within the conduit or duct for selectively receiving the device  10 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the cleaning apparatus  58  may be added to an existing ion generator, or in other words a modular cleaning apparatus that can be added to an existing ion generator. In this embodiment, the cleaning apparatus  58  is attached to the ion generator near the electrode  51  or electrodes  51 , such that the cleaning head(s)  66  of the cleaning apparatus may come in contact with the electrodes  51  of the ion generator. A motor  38  may be communicatively coupled to the cleaning apparatus  58  for activating the cleaning apparatus as a predetermined interval. The cleaning apparatus  58  and function is described above. 
     In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 , the ionization device is shown generally at reference numeral  110 . The device  110  includes a base  112  that extends to an outer edge. A sidewall  114  extends from the outer edge of the base  112  to an upper edge  116 . The sidewall  114  has an inner and outer sidewall surface, respectively, forming an interior storage compartment. A top portion  124  is engaged to the upper edge  116  and enclosing the interior storage compartment  122 . 
     The base  112  has an arcuate upper portion and a generally square or generally rectangular bottom portion and has a bottom side and a top side. In other words, the base  112  has a generally keyhole shape. The sidewall  114  extending upward generally conforms to the shape of the base and has an arcuate upper portion and a generally square or generally rectangular bottom portion. The upper edge  116  of the sidewall  114  surrounds the generally cylindrically shaped sidewall  114 . The top portion  124  that is engaged to the upper edge  116  has an arcuate upper portion and a generally square or generally rectangular bottom portion. 
     The base  112  may be integral with the sidewall  114 . Alternatively, the base  112  and sidewall  114  may be separate, wherein a first end of the sidewall  114  is disposed adjacent the outer edge of the base  112 , and the second end of the sidewall  114  is disposed adjacent the top portion  124 . The base  112  and sidewall  114  may be engaged to each other by an attachment device, such as an adhesive, screw, bolt, or the like. Likewise, the top portion  124  may be integral to the second end of sidewall  114 . Alternatively, the top portion  124  and sidewall  114  may be engaged to each other by an attachment device, such as an adhesive, screw, bolt, or the like. 
     At least one upper retention flange  126  extends from the sidewall  114 . The upper retention flange  126  extends outwardly from the sidewall  114  and generally planar to the upper edge  116 . The upper retention flange  126  contains an upper portion, a bottom portion, and two side portions. The upper retention flange  126  also contains a bore that extends from the upper portion to the lower portion for allowing a retention device, such as a screw, bolt, or the like, to be inserted therethrough and selectively securing or engaging the upper retention flange  126  to a wall, duct, or the like. 
     As illustrated, the device  110  may have two upper retention flanges  126  that are in a spaced-apart relationship. As shown, the upper retention flanges  126  are disposed on opposed sides of the sidewall  114  for selectively securing or engaging the device  110  to a wall, duct, or the like. The upper retention flanges  126  engage the duct, and allow the device  110  to be mounted to the duct. 
     The device  110  may also contain at least one bottom retention flange  132 . The bottom retention flange  132  extends outward from the outer edge of the base  112 . The generally triangular shape of the bottom retention flange  132  allows the bottom retention flange  132  to selectively secure or engage the device  110  to a confined space within a wall, duct, or the like. The bottom retention flange  132  provides stability and support for the device  110 . The bottom retention flange  132  has an upper portion, a bottom portion, and two side portions. A bore  134  extends from the upper portion to the bottom portion of the bottom retention flange  132  for allowing a retention device, such as a screw, bolt, or the like, to be inserted therethrough and selectively securing or engaging the bottom retention flange  132  to a wall, duct, or the like. The bottom retention flange  132  is engaged to the exterior side of a duct, allowing at least the top portion  124  and a portion of the sidewall  114  to be inserted into the duct and flow of air. 
     As illustrated, the device  110  may have two bottom retention flanges  132  that are in a spaced-apart relationship. As shown, the bottom retention flanges  132  are disposed on opposed sides of the sidewall  114  for selectively securing or engaging the device  110  to a wall, duct, or the like. The upper retention flange  126  and bottom retention flange  132  are offset from each other. In other words, the placement of the upper retention flange  126  is not “over top” or above the bottom retention flange  132 . As illustrated, the upper retention flanges  126  are offset by 45 degrees from the bottom retention flanges  132 . 
     The base  112  of the device  110  may also contain at least one magnet  136  on the bottom side. The at least one magnet  136  may be generally circular in shape, and the base  112  of the device  110  contains a correspondingly shaped bore disposed on the bottom side for receiving the at least one magnet  136 . As illustrated, the base  112  contains two bores for receiving one magnet  136  in each bore. The at least one magnet  136  may be recessed within the bore and flush with the bottom side of the base  112 . The device  110  may contain two magnets  136  on the bottom of the base  112 . The magnets  136  are designed to selectively secure the device  110  to a wall, duct, or the like. The cleaning apparatus as shown on the device  110  is disclosed above. 
     The top portion  124  may be covered by foam, or alternatively, the top side of the top portion  124  may be covered by a closed cell foam gasket  123  that acts as an air seal when mounted to a duct or the like. An LED  140  may also be disposed on the top portion  124  of the device  110 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the ion terminals  252  may be offset from one another. In other words, instead of the ion terminals  252  being across from each other, the ion terminals  252  are offset or set apart by a predetermined degree. Preferably, the predetermined degree e is preferably between about 1° to about 89° and more preferably between about 10° and about 70°. The cleaning apparatus  258  is able to clean the ion terminals even with the offset or set apart arrangement. 
     Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims.