Patent Publication Number: US-2023147871-A1

Title: Portable air filter cleaning devices and methods of use

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/660,960, filed Apr. 21, 2018 entitled “Air Filter Cleaning Device and Methods of Use” which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to processing reusable air filters and more particularly to a portable air filter cleaning devices and methods of use. 
     2. Background Information 
     As is generally well known, air filters are used extensively to prevent particulate impurities such as dust and dirt from entering into the combustion chambers of engines. When the particulate build-up becomes significant, the air flow through the filtering medium is restricted causing abnormal operation of the combustion engine that increases operating costs and may potentially result in engine stalling or failure. 
     In heavy off-road and over the road vehicles, it is common for air filters to accumulate undesirable amount of particulate in a relatively short span of time. Thus, these air filters need frequent attention to maintain the required air flow. However, air filter replacement is usually prohibitive due to cost of the new air filter requiring the operators of such vehicles to periodically clean air filters. 
     One manual cleaning method is to repeatedly strike the air filter against a rigid structure to dislodge the particulate. However, it has been found that such method does not remove all accumulated particulate and can inadvertently damage the filter. Other known manual methods of cleaning dirty air filters can be messy, time consuming, and ineffective. 
     Another method involves use of an air hose with the nozzle inserted into the inner aperture or cavity of the air filter. However, the air may be discharged through the nozzle at higher than desirable pressure capable of damaging the filtering medium and requires greater than desirable effort and concentration by the operator to adequately clean the air filter without damaging filtering medium. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,763 discloses one type of a portable air filter cleaning device that includes an aperture containing vertical column connected to a high pressure air hose, where an annular air filter is placed around the vertical column and air is then forced into the vertical column, exiting through the apertures and through the filter itself, forcing any accumulated particles off the surface of the filter. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,958,298 discloses another type of the portable filter cleaning device that includes a housing receiving the air filter to be cleaned. An upper member is provided with a vertically depending rotatable pipe provided with radially directed nozzles. The pipe is also provided with a pair of nozzles directed at an angle to the radial to provide a rotary movement to the pipe means. The air filter cleaner may be operated from air compressors readily available on the job site, such as compressors on the heavy construction equipment itself. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,057 discloses yet another type of the portable air filter cleaning device that includes an elongated, readily gripped handle having a through bore and a connector at one end for coupling to an air supply hose, and a rotary head is rotatably mounted on the other end of the handle. The rotary head has an internal air distribution chamber with small outlet openings in its outer peripheral wall for spraying air from the chamber. The rotating head sprays air outwardly across the surface of an air filter unit to dislodge dirt from filter paper in a filter unit 
     U.S. Patent Publication 2011-0005176 discloses an apparatus for cleaning an air filter which includes a body defining a closed chamber and a fluid disperser rotating within the body and passing through the chamber. Fluid supplied under pressure to the fluid disperser exits through a plurality of orifices or nozzles toward an inner surface of an air filter filtering medium causing contaminants to exit therefrom. 
     U.S. Patent Publication 2012-0260954 discloses a portable air filter cleaning device including a frame supporting a rotatable air filter receiver. A tube coupled to a water line directs water to impact a washable air filter mounted upon the air filter receiver and causes rotation thereof. 
     U.S. Patent Publication 2014-0251387 discloses a filter cleaning device that includes a cleaning chamber operable to receive a gas filter to be cleaned, the cleaning chamber having airflow that is forced to pass through at least a part of the filter when inserted, the filter cleaning device further comprising a mechanical agitation arrangement operable, in one mode of operation, to generate a linear oscillation along an axis of the filter when inserted and, in another mode of operation, to rotate the filter about an axis of rotation. 
     The above described air cleaner devices are essentially only usable with paper or dry air filters and generally do not work with an oil impregnated substrate. 
     There remains a need for an improved portable apparatus for cleaning air filters in a simple, efficient and cost effective system that overcomes the deficiencies of the existing systems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of this invention is directed to a portable air filter cleaning device includes a housing configured to receive an air filter to be cleaned, at least one spray mechanism within the housing for spraying fluid onto the air filter to be cleaned within the housing, a cleaning fluid reservoir coupled to at least one spray mechanism for selectively spraying cleaning fluid onto the air filter to be cleaned within the housing, a rinsing fluid reservoir coupled to at least one spray mechanism for selectively spraying rinsing fluid onto the air filter to be cleaned within the housing; and a motor for facilitating cleaning, rinsing and drying of the air filter to be cleaned. 
     The portable air filter cleaning device according to one aspect of the invention further includes a rotating plate within the housing and selectively supporting the air filter, wherein the rotating plate is selectively driven by the motor for rotating the air filter to be cleaned, and an adaptor on the rotating plate sized to the air filter to be cleaned. The portable air filter cleaning device according to one aspect of the invention may provide wherein the adaptor on the rotating plate is an adjustable adaptor having a plurality of radially adjusting members on the rotating plate. The invention may provide that the motor is configured to rotate the rotating plate and air filter to be cleaned at a first speed for cleaning and rinsing of the air filter to be cleaned and a higher speed for drying of the air filter to be cleaned. 
     The portable air filter cleaning device according to one aspect of the invention may include wherein at least one spray mechanism includes at least one nozzle configured to spay an internal surface of the air filter to be cleaned, and including a pair of nozzles with outlets angled relative to each other to spray distinct portions of the air filter to be cleaned. 
     The portable air filter cleaning device according to the invention may further include a catch pan configured to receive debris from the air filter to be cleaned and cleaning fluid and rinsing fluid used to clean the air filter, and a drain line coupled to the catch pan and exiting the housing. 
     The portable air filter cleaning device according to invention may include a pump coupled to the cleaning fluid reservoir for pumping cleaning fluid to at least one spray mechanism for selectively spraying cleaning fluid onto the air filter to be cleaned within the housing, and a pump coupled to the rinsing fluid reservoir for pumping rinsing fluid to at least one spray mechanism for selectively spraying rinsing fluid onto the air filter to be cleaned within the housing. The portable air filter cleaning device according to the invention may provide wherein the device is configured to operate via an external power source. 
     The portable air filter cleaning device according to one aspect of the invention may provide wherein the at least one spray mechanism within the housing for spraying fluid onto the air filter to be cleaned within the housing includes at least one cleaning fluid nozzle coupled to the cleaning fluid cleaning fluid reservoir for selectively spraying cleaning fluid onto the air filter to be cleaned within the housing, and at least one rinsing fluid nozzle coupled to the a rinsing fluid reservoir for selectively spraying rinsing fluid onto the air filter to be cleaned within the housing. 
     The portable air filter cleaning device according to one aspect of the invention may further include a fan inducing airflow within the housing wherein the motor is coupled to the fan and selectively operates the fan inducing airflow within the housing and through the air filter to be cleaned for facilitating cleaning, rinsing and drying of the air filter to be cleaned. 
     One aspect of this invention is directed to a method of cleaning an air filter comprising the steps of providing a portable air filter cleaning device having a housing configured to receive an air filter to be cleaned, at least one spray mechanism within the housing, a cleaning fluid reservoir, a rinsing fluid reservoir and a motor; placing the air filter to be cleaned within the housing; spraying cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir onto the air filter to be cleaned by at least one spraying device; spraying rinsing fluid onto the air filter to be cleaned by at least one spraying device; drying the air filter; and operating the motor to facilitate the spraying of the cleaning fluid the spraying of the rinsing fluid and the drying of the air filter. 
     The method of cleaning an air filter according to one aspect of the invention may further include the steps of draining from the housing debris from the air filter to be cleaned and cleaning fluid and rinsing fluid used to clean the air filter. The method of cleaning an air filter according to one aspect of the invention may further include the step inducing airflow within the housing with a fan, wherein the motor is coupled to the fan and selectively operates the fan inducing airflow within the housing and across and/or through the air filter to be cleaned for facilitating cleaning, rinsing and drying of the air filter to be cleaned. The method of cleaning an air filter according to one aspect of the invention may further include the step of selectively supporting the air filter on a rotating plate within the housing, wherein the rotating plate is selectively driven by the motor for rotating the air filter to be cleaned for facilitating cleaning, rinsing and drying of the air filter to be cleaned. 
     The features that characterize the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims which are part of this disclosure. These and other features of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects obtained by its use will be more fully understood from the following detailed description in connection with the attached figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  are perspective views of a portable air filter cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a sectional plan view of the portable air filter cleaning device of  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  3    is a sectional plan view of the portable air filter cleaning device of  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG.  1 A ; and 
         FIG.  4    sectional side view of the portable air filter cleaning device of  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG.  1 B ; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the portable air filter cleaning device of  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B ; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a type of cylindrical air filter to be cleaned in the portable air filter cleaning device of  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B ; 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic diagram of the control of the portable air filter cleaning device of the present invention; 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective partially exploded view of a portable air filter cleaning device according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of a portable air filter cleaning device according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of the portable air filter cleaning device of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of a portable air filter cleaning device according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective partially exploded view of the portable air filter cleaning device of  FIG.  11   ; and 
         FIG.  13    is a schematic section view of the portable air filter cleaning device of  FIG.  9   . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention relates to a portable air filter cleaning device  100  ( FIGS.  1 - 5 , and  8   ) or  100 ′ ( FIGS.  9 - 10   ). As further detailed below the portable air filter cleaning devices  100  and  100 ′ ( FIGS.  9 - 10   ) include a housing  10  (which includes a cover  12 ) configured to receive an air filter  50 ,  50 ′ to be cleaned; at least one spray mechanism  24 ,  24 ′ within the housing  10  for spraying fluid onto the air filter  50 ,  50 ′ to be cleaned within the housing  10 ; a cleaning fluid reservoir  30  coupled to at least one spray mechanism  24 ,  24 ′ for selectively spraying cleaning fluid onto the air filter  50 ,  50 ′ to be cleaned within the housing  10 ; a rinsing fluid reservoir  32  coupled to at least one spray mechanism  24 ,  24 ′ for selectively spraying rinsing fluid onto the air filter  50 ,  50 ′ to be cleaned within the housing  10 ; and a motor  26  for facilitating cleaning, rinsing and drying of the air filter  50 ,  50 ′ to be cleaned. The devices  100 ,  100 ′ of the present invention are designed to clean air filters  50 ,  50 ′ that include an oil impregnated substrate. 
       FIG.  1 - 5    detail a portable air filter cleaning device  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention designed for cylindrical air filters shown in  FIG.  6   . Often these cylindrical air filters  50  have a tapered (frusto-conical) shape as shown, which are broadly included herein under cylindrical type air filters  50 . The air filter  50  is any air filter to be cleaned using the air filter cleaning device  100 . The air filter  50  can be, for example, any round-straight (i.e. conventional cylinder shaped) or round-tapered (i.e. cone shaped as shown) air filter used, for example, in cars, trucks, ATVs, motorcycles, airplanes, boats, heavy equipment, and the like. Examples of these air filter are those available from K&amp;N Engineering, Inc (Riverside, Calif.). 
     The portable air filter cleaning device  100  of  FIGS.  1 - 5    includes a housing  10  having a removable cover  12 . The housing  10  with cover  12  may be formed of any suitable material but molded plastic is likely the most cost effective for the device  100 . The coupling of the cover  12  to the remaining portion of the housing  10  (the base) may be a friction fit, snap fit, threaded, or merely the weight of the cover  12  to hold it in place. The base of the housing  10  will substantially hold the operational components of the device  100  as discussed further below, while the cover  12  defines a cleaning chamber for the air filter  50  to be cleaned. 
     A user interface  14  or control panel is provided on the front portion of the housing  10  to allow for easy operation of the device  100  as discussed further below. The user interface  14  is coupled to a programmable controller  40  (shown schematically in  FIG.  7   ) that is programmable, wherein the controller  40  controls the overall operations (e.g., wash cycle, rinse cycle, drying cycle, etc.) of the device  100 . Also visible from the exterior of the housing  10  is a drain line  16  for draining from the housing  10  debris from the air filter  50  to be cleaned and cleaning fluid and rinsing fluid used to clean the air filter  50 , and a power coupling  18  for connecting the device to a source of power. For example, the power coupling  18  may be in the form of a conventional electrical plug whereby the air filter cleaning device  100  can be powered using a standard electrical power supply. In yet another example, the power coupling  18  may be in the form a pair of leads with clips used to connect the air filter cleaning device  100  to a battery, such as a car type battery. In an alternative example, the air filter cleaning device  100  can be operated under internal battery power. 
     As best illustrated in  FIG.  2    the device  100  of  FIGS.  1 - 5    includes a rotating plate  20  within the housing  10  and selectively supporting the air filter  50 , wherein the rotating plate  20  is selectively driven by the motor  26  as shown in  FIG.  3    for rotating the air filter  50  to be cleaned. The motor  26  is mechanically coupled to plate  20  and may be, for example, a 12-volt DC, variable speed motor that is capable of, for example, up to about 12,000 RPMs although a number of suitable motors may be utilized. 
     The portable air filter cleaning device  100  of  FIGS.  1 - 5    further includes an adaptor  22  on the rotating plate  20  sized to the air filter  50  to be cleaned. Specifically the adaptor  22  on the rotating plate  20  of the device  100  of  FIGS.  1 - 5    is an adjustable adaptor  22  having an annular array of radially adjusting members on the rotating plate  20 . The radially adjusting members of the adaptor are formed as stops riding in a radial slot that can be radially moved to a desired location sized to the air filter  50  being cleaned and locked in place. The top is a push button that when depress disengages teeth on the bottom of the spinning platen and can be moved in or out and the button released locking the clamp into place. 
     Three radially adjusting members spaced equidistant from each other are generally sufficient to hold the air filter  50  in location. 
     In the device  100  of  FIGS.  1 - 5   , the spray mechanism  24  extends through a center of the plate  20  and is stationary relative to the plate within the housing  10  for spraying fluid onto the interior of the air filter  50  being cleaned. The spray mechanism in the embodiment of  FIGS.  1 - 5    is in the form of a pair of nozzles with outlets angled relative to each other to spray distinct portions of the interior of air filter to be cleaned, with one nozzle covering the top and upper portions of the air filter  50  and the other nozzle covering the lower portions of the air filter  50 . 
     As discussed above, the cleaning fluid reservoir  30  is coupled to the spray mechanism  24  in the device  100  of  FIGS.  1 - 5    for selectively spraying cleaning fluid onto the air filter  50  to be cleaned within the housing  10 . A pump  34  is coupled to the cleaning fluid reservoir  30  for pumping cleaning fluid to the spray mechanism  24  for selectively spraying cleaning fluid onto the interior of the air filter  50  to be cleaned within the housing  12 . The reservoir includes an opening and lid for refilling the reservoir  30  with appropriate cleaning fluid by the user. A representative example of the cleaning fluid to be placed in the reservoir  30  is the K&amp;N air filter cleaner fluid included in the K&amp;N 99-5050 Filter Care Service Kit. 
     In an analogous fashion to reservoir  30 , the rinsing fluid reservoir  32  is coupled to the spray mechanism  24  in the device  100  of  FIGS.  1 - 5    for selectively spraying rinsing fluid (water) onto the air filter  50  to be cleaned within the housing  10 . A pump  36  is coupled to the rinsing fluid reservoir  32  for pumping rinsing fluid to the spray mechanism  24  for selectively spraying rinsing fluid onto the interior of the air filter  50  to be cleaned within the housing  12 . The reservoir  32  includes an opening and lid for refilling the reservoir  32  with appropriate rinsing fluid by the user, namely water. 
     In the device  100  of  FIGS.  1 - 5   , a catch pan  38  is below the rotating plate  20  and is configured to receive debris from the air filter  50  to be cleaned and cleaning fluid and rinsing fluid used to clean the air filter  50  and the drain line  16  is coupled to the catch pan  38  and exits the housing for draining. 
     The method of cleaning an air filter  50  using the device of  FIGS.  1 - 5    can be described in detail. First loose debris is often removed from the filter prior to use of the device  100 . Then, with the device  100  turned off, the housing cover  12  is removed from the base of the housing  10 . If the adapter  22  is not sized for the specific air filter  50  then the adjustable stops are properly positioned to receive and hold the air filter  50  in question and the air filter  50  is placed on the plate  20  within the adapter  22 . The cleaning chamber cover  12  is reinstalled atop the housing base of housing  10  with the air filter  50  to be cleaned inside the cleaning chamber. 
     Using the control panel  14 , the air filter cleaning device  100  is turned on by the operator. In so doing, motor  26  impart a spinning motion to the plate  20  and the associated air filter  50  to be cleaned. A low-speed wash cycle is initiated wherein a spraying mechanism  24  of the device is activated to spray the inside of the air filter  50  with cleaning fluid from reservoir  30  via pump  34 . As one representative example, the wash cycle is about 15 minutes long. The control panel  14  can include other user inputs if there are different pre-programmed cycles for different sized air cleaners or possibly light and heavy clean option cycles. In general the user input  14  will simply be turning on the device  100  and advising the users of the particular state of operation (e.g. advising the user that the device  100  is in a washing, rinsing or drying cycle or that the complete cycle has been competed). The control panel may have other indicators such as advising that the device  100  needs more cleaning fluid or more rinsing fluid or that the cycle was prematurely stopped. 
     Following the wash cycle, a high-speed rinse cycle is initiated wherein the spraying mechanism  24  is activated to spray the inside of the air filter  50  with a rinse solution, such as water, from the reservoir  32  via pump  36 . In one example, the rinse cycle is about 2 minutes long. The debris, wash water and rinse water collected by the pan  38  exits via the drain line  16  that can be appropriately placed to collect this waste water material. 
     Following the rinse cycle, a yet higher-speed drying cycle is initiated wherein the air filter  50  spins at a high RPM (Rotations Per Minute), much higher than the wash or rinse cycle rotation rates. In one example, the drying cycle is about 3 minutes long. At the completion of the wash, rinse, and drying cycles, the air filter cleaning device  100  turns off automatically. Then, the housing cover  12  can be opened and the clean air filter  50  can be removed and reused. 
       FIG.  8    is a perspective partially exploded view of a portable air filter cleaning device  100  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The device  100  of  FIG.  8    is substantially similar to the device of  FIGS.  1 - 5    described above except for a hinged housing cover  12 , an removable fixed diameter adapter  22 ′ and a shield  28  coupled to the plate  20 . The hinged cover  12  merely shows an alternative coupling. The fixed diameter adapter  22 ′ is removable attached to the plate with different sized adapters  22 ′ used for distinct classes or sizes of filters  50 . Preferably all of the distinct sizes of adapters  22 ′ will nest together to allow for storage with in the housing when not in use. The shield  28  cooperates with the plate  20  and defines a smaller cleaning chamber (than in the device  100  of  FIGS.  1 - 5    that is the entire interior of the housing cover  12 ) and is useful for concentrating the location of the debris and wash fluid and rinse fluid for the catch pan  38  and drain line  16 . The operation of this device  100  of  FIG.  8    is generally as discussed above. 
       FIGS.  9  and  10    are perspective views of a portable air filter cleaning device  100 ′ according to another embodiment of the present invention used for cleaning flat plate style air filters  50 ′. The device  100 ′ includes a housing  10 , which includes a cover  12 , configured to receive an air filter  50 ′ to be cleaned; an user input (not shown), at least one spray mechanism  24 ′ within the housing  10  for spraying fluid onto the air filter  50 ′ to be cleaned within the housing  10 ; a cleaning fluid reservoir  30  coupled via pump (not shown) to at least one spray mechanism  24 ′ for selectively spraying cleaning fluid onto the air filter  50 ′ to be cleaned within the housing  10 ; a rinsing fluid reservoir  32  coupled via pump  36  to at least one spray mechanism  24 ′ for selectively spraying rinsing fluid onto the air filter  50 ′ to be cleaned within the housing  10 ; and a motor  26  for facilitating cleaning, rinsing and drying of the air filter  50 ′ to be cleaned. A drain line  16  is coupled to a catch pan  38  below a plate  20 ′ and the drain line will operate to drain from the housing debris from the air filter to be cleaned and cleaning fluid and rinsing fluid used to clean the air filter. The majority of these device components are as discussed above in connection with devices  100 . The components of the device  100 ′ not discussed in detail below are operationally the same as discussed above in the devices  100 . 
     The first main distinction is that the air filter  50 ′ will not be rotated during cleaning such that the plate  20 ′ is stationary. The plate  20 ′ may include adjustable adaptors in the form of slidable stops to accommodate and to center different size flat panel air filters  50 ′ to be cleaned such as shown in the embodiment of  FIGS.  11 - 13   . The stops may be designed to minimize airflow around an air filter  50 ′ and thus to focus the air flow through the air filter  50 ′ to be cleaned. The motor  26  does not rotate the plate  20 ′, but rather the motor  26  is coupled to a fan and selectively operates the fan inducing airflow within the housing  10  and primarily through the air filter  50 ′ to be cleaned for facilitating cleaning, rinsing and drying of the air filter  50 ′ to be cleaned. Essentially the fan creates an airflow that draws air from above the filter  50 ′ through the filter  50 ′ to the area above the catch pan  38 . The inducement of air flow facilitates the washing rinsing and drying of the air filter  50 ′. The housing includes suitable openings or vents to allow for the induced airflow pattern from above the filter  50 ′, through the filter  50 ′ to below and out of the housing  10 . 
     Additionally in the device  100 ′ of  FIGS.  9 - 10    the spray mechanism  24 ′ includes a plurality of cleaning fluid nozzles coupled to the cleaning fluid cleaning fluid reservoir  30  via a pump for selectively spraying cleaning fluid onto the air filter  50 ′ from above, and the spray mechanism  24 ′ includes a separate plurality of rinsing fluid nozzles  24 ′ coupled via pump  36  to the a rinsing fluid reservoir  32  for selectively spraying rinsing fluid onto the air filter  50 ′ from above. The operation is similar to above in that the device  100 ′ automatically progresses through a wash cycle, a rinse cycle and a drying cycle. The motor  26  can adjust the air flow characteristics during each cycle to maximize the cleaning. 
       FIGS.  11 - 13    schematically illustrate a portable air filter cleaning device  100 ′ according to another embodiment of the present invention used for cleaning flat plate style air filters  50 ′. The device  100 ′ of  FIGS.  11 - 13    includes a housing  10 , which includes a removable cover  12 , configured to receive a flat air filter  50 ′ to be cleaned; an user input (not shown), one spray mechanism  24 ′ within the housing  10  for spraying fluid down onto the air filter  50 ′ to be cleaned within the housing  10 ; a cleaning fluid reservoir  30  coupled via pump (not shown) the spray mechanism  24 ′ for selectively spraying cleaning fluid onto the air filter  50 ′ to be cleaned within the housing  10 ; a rinsing fluid reservoir  32  coupled via pump (not shown) to at least one spray mechanism  24 ′ for selectively spraying rinsing fluid onto the air filter  50 ′ to be cleaned within the housing  10  (with the spray cones  25 , of either rinsing fluid or cleaning fluid, of the nozzles of the spray mechanism  24 ′ shown in the schematic figure for clarity); and a motor (not shown) for facilitating cleaning, rinsing and drying of the air filter  50 ′ to be cleaned. A drain line (not shown) is coupled to a catch pan  38  below a plate  20 ″ and the drain line will operate to drain from the housing debris from the air filter to be cleaned and cleaning fluid and rinsing fluid used to clean the air filter. The majority of these device components are as discussed above in connection with devices  100 . The components of the device  100 ′ not discussed in detail below are operationally the same as discussed above in the devices  100 . 
     Some of the flat air filters  52  can have a coupling flange around a perimeter. The device  100 ′ of  FIGS.  11 - 13    uses an support plate  20 ″ upon which two adjustable adapters  22 ″ slide to be supported under a mounting peripheral flange of the air filter  50 ′. The device  100 ′ of  FIGS.  11 - 13    uses a single spray mechanism  24 ′ coupled to both the cleaning fluid reservoir  30  and the rinsing fluid reservoir  34  analogous to the device  100  discussed above, but sprays down on the flat air cleaner  50 ′ similar to the device  100 ′ pf  FIGS.  9 - 10   . 
     In the device  100 ′ of  FIGS.  11 - 13    like that of  FIGS.  9 - 10   , the air filter  50 ′ will not be rotated during cleaning such that the plate  20 ″ is stationary. In the device  100 ′ of  FIGS.  11 - 13    like that of  FIGS.  9 - 10   , the motor (not shown in  FIGS.  11 - 13    but  26  in  FIGS.  9 - 10   ) does not rotate the plate  20 ″, but rather the motor is coupled to a fan and selectively operates the fan inducing airflow within the housing  10  and primarily across and also through the air filter  50 ′ to be cleaned for facilitating cleaning, rinsing and drying of the air filter  50 ′ to be cleaned. Essentially the fan creates an airflow that draws air in via intake outlet  27  through a grated outlet  29  into the cleaning chamber across and possibly through the filter  50 ′ to exit exhaust vents  31  in the housing. The outlet  29  and vents  31  may be positioned to maximize flow across and through the filter  50 ′, and the cleaning chamber may be provided with baffles (not shown) to better direct the flow as desired. The inducement of air flow facilitates the washing rinsing and drying of the air filter  50 ′. 
     The air flow assist of the devices  100 ′ that directs air flow across or through the filter  50 ′ being cleaned could also be implemented with the device  100  of  FIG.  1 - 5    in an alternative configuration with the induced flow being from inside the spinning air filter  50  to outside, and a separate motor and fan would need to be provided for this addition, however this proposed alteration is not believed to be required with the spinning aspects of that design. The operation is similar to above in that the device  100 ′ of  FIGS.  11 - 13    automatically progresses through a wash cycle, a rinse cycle and a drying cycle. The motor  26  can adjust the air flow characteristics during each cycle to maximize the cleaning process. 
     While the invention has been shown in several particular embodiments it should be clear that various modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereto.