Patent Description:
A number of systems have been developed for fume extraction, and a certain number of these are currently in use. In general, these use suction air to draw fumes and smoke from the immediate vicinity of the metal working operation, and to filter the fumes and smoke before returning the air to the room or blowing the air to an outside space.

Further improvements are needed, however, in fume extraction systems. For example, it would be useful to be able to clean and/or remove filter elements in such systems, thereby extending the useful life of the filter and/or extraction system, and/or improving performance of the extraction system.

Prior patent document <CIT> describes an example of a method for removing a filter unit from a laboratory extraction hood. The laboratory extraction hood comprises a filter unit and a bag element that is suitable for enclosing said filter unit. Prior patent documents <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> also describe examples of filter removal.

The present disclosure provides improvements to airborne extractors designed. The disclosed filter and/or debris disposal system is configured to easily dispose of filter elements, filter media, and/or debris with minimal resources, and/or effort.

The benefits and advantages of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:.

Disclosed are systems and methods for filter disposal for use in an airborne extractor system. In some examples, a flexible container is employed to enclose a used filter element prior to removal of the filter from the extractor. In some examples, a removable tray is arranged to collect debris below a filter element, the tray being accessible for removal (e.g., without removal of the filter element). In some examples, a filter enclosure, filter element, and/or other container includes a removable or partially removable panel configured to open and release debris upon activation of a trigger. In some examples, a flexible container is arranged at an opening of a filter enclosure and configured to be fastened to a filter element prior to removal. As the filter element is removed, the flexible container encloses the filter element as it is removed from the filter enclosure and configured to be sealed prior to disposal. In some examples, a semi-porous flexible container is arranged at an opening of a filter enclosure, a portion of the flexible container being secured to a portion of the opening such that, as the filter element is placed into the filter enclosure, the flexible container expands and/or unrolls to surround the filter element during an airborne extraction operation. In some examples, the flexible container is disposable or reusable.

A filter disposal operation may be partially controlled by a computing platform or control circuitry, such as in response to a monitored condition (e.g., via one or more sensors). Sensor data of the monitored conditions may be used to determine when filter replacement is needed, and provide an alert to an operator.

Advantageously, the disclosed filter disposal system employs a flexible container to enclose a used filter element and/or collected debris, resulting in a more controlled and/or efficient disposal process, thereby improving the efficiency and extending the life of the filter and the system. Thus, the disclosed system provides advantages over conventional systems, which require removal of filter elements with exposed surfaces and/or debris during disposal.

In disclosed examples, a filter disposal system for an airborne extractor system includes a flexible container to enclose a filter element, the flexible container being defined by a first configuration corresponding to an airborne extraction operation and a second configuration corresponding to a disposal operation; and a filter enclosure to house the filter element, wherein the flexible container is arranged between a first portion of the filter element and the filter enclosure in the first configuration and between a second portion of the filter element and the filter enclosure in the second configuration, wherein the second portion is greater than the first portion.

In some examples, the filter enclosure includes an opening to insert the filter element, the flexible container configured to be attached to an end of the filter enclosure opposite the opening in the second configuration. In examples, the flexible container includes one or more fasteners to attach the flexible container to the filter enclosure. In examples, the one or more fasteners include one or more of a magnet, a screw, or a hook.

In some examples, the filter element includes one or more handles, the handles configured to be exposed for removal of the filter element in the second configuration. In examples, the flexible container is configured to allow manipulation of the handles through one or more surfaces of the flexible container to aid in removal of the filter element.

In some examples, the filter enclosure includes an opening to insert the filter element, the flexible container being stored at an end of the filter enclosure opposite the opening in the first configuration.

In some examples, the flexible container is stored in a sealed package configured to be opened at initiation of the disposal operation. In examples, the filter element is configured to be removed through the opening during a disposal operation, the flexible container configured to be removed from the sealed package, and to enclose the filter element as the flexible container is drawn from the end of the filter enclosure toward the opening. In examples, the flexible container further comprises a seal to close the filter element within the flexible container in the second configuration.

In some examples, the filter element comprises a cylindrical element and wherein a blower draws air through a central portion of the cylindrical element.

In some examples, a disposal tray is arranged in the filter enclosure to collect debris from the airborne extraction operation. In examples, the disposal tray is arranged at a base of the filter enclosure, the disposal tray configured to be removed from the filter enclosure to remove debris from the airborne extraction operation.

In some disclosed examples, a debris removal system for an airborne extractor system includes a flexible container to enclose a filter element, the flexible container being defined by a first configuration corresponding to an airborne extraction operation and a second configuration corresponding to a disposal operation; a filter enclosure to house the filter element, wherein the flexible container is arranged between a first portion of the filter element and the filter enclosure in the first configuration and between a second portion of the filter element and the filter enclosure in the second configuration, wherein the second portion is greater than the first portion; and a disposal tray arranged in the filter enclosure to collect debris from the airborne extraction operation.

In some examples, the disposal tray has a handle and is configured to be accessible by an opening in the filter enclosure.

In some examples, the disposal tray is configured to seal in response to removal of the disposal tray from the filter enclosure.

In some examples, the tray comprises a plate-like structure mounted near a bottom region of the filter enclosure.

In some disclosed examples, filter disposal system for an airborne extractor system includes a filter enclosure to house the filter element; a flexible container to enclose a filter element, the flexible container being defined by a first configuration corresponding to an airborne extraction operation and a second configuration corresponding to a disposal operation; and a filter enclosure to house the filter element, wherein the flexible container is arranged between a first portion of the filter element and the filter enclosure in the first configuration and between a second portion of the filter element and the filter enclosure in the second configuration, wherein the second portion is greater than the first portion, wherein the flexible container is configured to expand to enclose the filter element as the filter element is removed from the filter enclosure.

In some examples, the flexible container comprises an air-tight, flexible material.

In some examples, the flexible container is configured to be sealed to enclose the filter element in the second configuration as the filter element is removed from the filter enclosure.

When introducing elements of various embodiments described below, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Moreover, while the term "exemplary" may be used herein in connection to certain examples of aspects or embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, it will be appreciated that these examples are illustrative in nature and that the term "exemplary" is not used herein to denote any preference or requirement with respect to a disclosed aspect or embodiment. Additionally, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," and the like are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the disclosed features.

As used herein, the terms "coupled," "coupled to," and "coupled with," each mean a structural and/or electrical connection, whether attached, affixed, connected, joined, fastened, linked, and/or otherwise secured. As used herein, the term "attach" means to affix, couple, connect, join, fasten, link, and/or otherwise secure. As used herein, the term "connect" means to attach, affix, couple, join, fasten, link, and/or otherwise secure.

As used herein, the terms "first" and "second" may be used to enumerate different components or elements of the same type, and do not necessarily imply any particular order.

As used herein the terms "circuits" and "circuitry" refer to any analog and/or digital components, power and/or control elements, such as a microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), software, and the like, discrete and/or integrated components, or portions and/or combinations thereof, including physical electronic components (i.e., hardware) and any software and/or firmware ("code") which may configure the hardware, be executed by the hardware, and or otherwise be associated with the hardware. As utilized herein, circuitry is "operable" and/or "configured" to perform a function whenever the circuitry comprises the necessary hardware and/or code (if any is necessary) to perform the function, regardless of whether performance of the function is disabled or enabled (e.g., by a user-configurable setting, factory trim, etc.).

The terms "control circuit," "control circuitry," and/or "controller," as used herein, may include digital and/or analog circuitry, discrete and/or integrated circuitry, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and/or other logic circuitry, and/or associated software, hardware, and/or firmware. Control circuits or control circuitry may be located on one or more circuit boards that form part or all of a controller.

Turning now to the drawings, <FIG> illustrates an extraction system <NUM> for extracting airborne components, such as smoke, fumes, particulate matter, and more generally, workspace air as indicated by reference numeral <NUM> from a work area <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment the extraction system <NUM> comprises a base unit <NUM> coupled to conduits <NUM> that channel air to and from a hood <NUM>. The hood <NUM> is designed to be placed at or near (e.g., above) the work area <NUM> and, when the base unit <NUM> is activated, serves to create region of air around the area and to extract the workspace air, directing extracted air <NUM> to the base unit <NUM> for processing.

It should be noted that while in certain embodiments described in the present disclosure a stand-alone base unit <NUM> or cart-type unit is described, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular physical configuration. More generally, systems and arrangements provided herein may be implemented as fixed or semi-fixed installations, such as those used in industrial, commercial, hobby, and other settings. That is, certain of the components of the base unit described herein may serve multiple workspaces, work cells, weld cells, work locations and areas, and so forth, by common conduits that direct positive-pressure air to and channel air and airborne components from one or more workspaces. Operator controls may be positioned at the work area and/or remotely from such workspaces to control operation of the system <NUM>.

Depending on the application, airborne components evacuated from the work area <NUM> may be in an aerosol form, such as solid, liquid or gaseous phase particles that are suspended in air. Such airborne components may form smoke, fumes (including chemical fumes), or clouds of components generated by an operation performed in the area. In some applications, the airborne components may be at least temporarily airborne but not suspended in the air, such as in the case of larger particulates, such as droplets, mist (e.g., from oils, coolants, and so forth), dust (e.g., from drywall, grain, minerals, cements, or other dust sources), chips, debris, and so forth. The system <NUM> is configured to collect and extract any such airborne components. Similarly, reference is made in this disclosure to "air" or "airborne", although the fluid in which the airborne components are found and that is circulated by the system may be, more generally, a gaseous substance that need not contain the same constituents, or in the same ratios as found in atmospheric air. Such gasses are intended nevertheless be included in the term "air" or "airborne". Moreover, it is presently contemplated that the same principles of fluid dynamics and borne component removal may be applied to other "fluids" than air or gasses (including liquids), and to that extent the teachings of the present disclosure are intended to extend to those applications.

In some examples, the base unit <NUM> includes a blower <NUM> driven by a drive motor <NUM>. The drive motor <NUM> (as well as other functions of the extraction system <NUM>) is controlled by control circuitry <NUM> which may provide drive signals to the motor for fixed-speed or variable-speed operation. The cart may best be designed with a small and highly efficient drive motor on the blower. In some examples, more than one motor and/or blower, fan or compressor may be used. The base unit <NUM> may be designed to draw power from any source, such as the power grid, battery sources, engine-generator sets, and so forth. The control circuitry <NUM> typically includes processing circuitry and memory for carrying out drive operations as desired by the operator or in response to system inputs as described below. Accordingly, the control circuitry <NUM> may communicate with an operator interface for receiving operator settings, speed settings, on-off commands, and so forth. Similarly, the control circuitry <NUM> may include and/or communicate with an interface (e.g., a remote interface) designed to receive signals from remote inputs, remote systems, sensors, and so forth. The control circuitry <NUM>, via a remote interface, may also provide data to such remote systems such as for monitoring and/or controlling operation of the extraction system <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the conduits <NUM> extend between the base unit <NUM> and the hood <NUM>, which may include a positive pressure air conduit and/or a return air conduit. In some examples, the positive pressure air conduit provides air to the hood, while the return air conduit is under a negative or slight suction pressure to draw air containing the airborne components from the work area <NUM>. The extracted air <NUM> returning from the hood <NUM> in conduit <NUM> may be directed through a filter <NUM>. In some examples, the air <NUM> may be reintroduced into the blower <NUM> as a semi-controlled system. As described herein, the system may also include components designed to allow for adjustment of the individual or relative flow rates of one or both of the positive and negative pressure air streams.

In some examples, adjustment of the positive pressure air flow and/or the return air flow may be optimized for specific operations of the system. Several different techniques are presently contemplated for such adjustment and may include, for example, a bypass valve, a louver, or other mechanical device which may be adjusted to limit the flow of air from the suction filter and, consequently, the intake of air into the blower <NUM> from the ambient surroundings. Such adjustment may advantageously allow for relative mass or volumetric flow rates of the positive pressure and return airstreams to enhance creation of the air region and extraction of workspace air <NUM>. For example, user inputs may be provided via an operator interface to control one or both adjustments, communicated to the control circuitry <NUM> to regulate their operation (e.g., via small adjustment motors and/or actuator assemblies). In some examples, adjustments to flow rates for the positive and negative pressure airstreams may be made by altering the speed of one or more motors and/or blowers, fans or compressors. Moreover, other and additional components and functionalities may be built into the system.

As shown in the illustration of <FIG>, adjustments to the extraction system <NUM> may alter an amount of workspace air drawn into the extraction system <NUM>. For example, a smaller region <NUM> represents an approximate limit for the effective capture and extraction of airborne components at a first extraction setting, while a larger region <NUM> represents a much greater effective capture and extraction region at a second extraction setting. While the effectiveness of the extraction will depend upon factors such as particle size, temperature, flow rate, etc., the graphic illustration of <FIG> provides a demonstration of adjustable extraction capabilities.

In the illustration of <FIG>, the example system <NUM> is housed in a cart <NUM> designed to be rolled on wheels or casters <NUM> to the vicinity of a metal working operation. The system <NUM> can be designed to be plugged into a conventional outlet, such as to draw power from the power grid. In some examples, the conduits <NUM> include flexible joints, allowing raising, lowering, lateral and other positioning of the hood <NUM> at or near, typically above, the work space <NUM>. In some examples, an arrangement of conduits may make use of a manifold to aide in distributing positive pressure air flow to the annular space between the inner and outer shrouds of the hood.

As mentioned above, the present techniques may be employed in systems and arrangements other than carts or systems and base units that are local to a work location. In some examples, fixed or semi-fixed extraction systems may be employed in workshops, factories, assembly and metalworking plants, and so forth.

The conduits <NUM> convey both a positive pressure or outgoing flow and a return flow that may contain airborne components to be extracted from the work area. In this example, the conduits <NUM> are adapted for rotation at one or more interfaces. The conduits <NUM> may rotate more or less than <NUM> degrees at each interface, although full multi-rotation capabilities may be designed into one or more joints between the conduits <NUM>, the hood <NUM>, and/or the base unit <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the conduit <NUM> has a lower joint <NUM> where it joins the base unit, a middle joint <NUM> that joins two generally linear sections of conduit and a hood joint <NUM> about which the hood <NUM> may be pivoted at least within a limited angular range. One or more support structures <NUM> are provided adjacent to the lower joint <NUM> or joint <NUM> to aid in supporting the arm as it is extended toward and/or retracted from a work area. In the example system <NUM> of <FIG>, the joints may include smooth inner walls that can be deformed so as to permit extension, retraction and, more generally, positioning of the conduits <NUM> with respect to the base unit <NUM>, while adding little or no head loss as compared to a linear section of conduit.

As shown in <FIG>, the base unit <NUM> has a filter or filter element <NUM> disposed in a filter box or enclosure <NUM>. The filter enclosure <NUM> defines a region around or adjacent to the filter <NUM> from which air is drawn during operation of the system <NUM>. That is, as disclosed herein, the returning or negative airstream enters the base unit <NUM>, and this airstream, bearing the airborne components (e.g., debris, particles, etc.) enters into the region and then through an outer periphery of the filter <NUM>. In some examples, the filter <NUM> is cylinder-like, but any suitable configuration may be used. In some examples, the filter <NUM> is hollow, and is closed by a cap. Because debris may be released from the filter element during cleaning, a collection tray <NUM> is placed near a bottom region of the base unit <NUM> to allow the debris to be collected and/or separated from the filter <NUM>.

Within the cart, return flow air <NUM> enters the filter enclosure <NUM> containing the filter <NUM>, where the air <NUM> is filtered to remove particulate matter and other components borne by the airstream. The assembly may be designed for pressure cleaning, in a process that may direct pressurized air against one or more filter elements to promote the release of the captured particulate. From the filter enclosure <NUM>, air is drawn into the blower <NUM> which is driven by motor <NUM> as described above. In some examples, multiple motors and/or blowers may be employed. For example, one motor and blower set may be used for the outgoing or positive air stream, while another motor and blower set may be used for the return or negative air stream. One or both air streams may be filtered by a common filter or dedicated filters.

The system <NUM> may be equipped for filtering of components and debris from the air stream <NUM> returning to the base unit <NUM>. For example, this debris may collect in one or more filters <NUM> and/or the filter enclosure <NUM>. Moreover, in an additional or alternative example, the collected debris may be cleared or cleaned from the filter elements <NUM>, such as by application of pressurized air (or other fluid), typically in pulses or puffs against the filter medium, as disclosed herein. In a location over which the filter <NUM> would be placed are nozzle(s) or diffuser(s) <NUM>, which may provide streams, pulses, puffs, and/or other flow of air, gas, and/or other fluids to clean the filter media <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> is coupled to a supply conduit <NUM>, which is used to convey compressed air from an air compressor <NUM> to provide the puffs of forced air to the nozzle <NUM> for cleaning the filter <NUM>.

In response to this cleaning operation, debris may fall within the filter enclosure <NUM>. One or more collection trays and/or baffles, which may be removable, can be provided below the filter area to capture and/or provide disposal of debris from the environment. In some examples, a filter tray <NUM> may be arranged as a baffle, plate, or drawer within or below the filter enclosure <NUM> at which the debris may collect, and/or fall through (e.g., onto a collection tray <NUM>). The collection tray <NUM> may similarly include one or more baffles to provide separation of the debris from the low pressure that will be present immediately around the filter element <NUM> when operation of the base unit <NUM> resumes. From time to time, the debris may be cleaned from the unit <NUM> by removable of filter tray <NUM> and/or the collection tray <NUM>.

In some examples, debris may collect on the filter <NUM>, which will occasionally require removal, cleaning, and/or replacement. The debris is often difficult to contain, making disposal efforts complicated and messy affairs. Thus, in some examples, a flexible container is employed to enclose the filter prior to removal and/or disposal, reducing or eliminating the spread of debris. In some examples, the filter enclosure <NUM> includes a removable tray or other device to allow for removal of debris that collects at a bottom portion of the filter enclosure <NUM>. Such a tray is contemplated for use on each example filter enclosure, yet may be omitted from the figures for simplicity.

Turning to <FIG>, in accordance with the present invention, a filter enclosure <NUM> contains a filter <NUM>, which can be deposited and/or removed via opening <NUM>. Return air <NUM> brings debris <NUM> into the volume of the filter enclosure <NUM>, which may collect on a filter wall and/or at a bottom of the filter enclosure <NUM>. As disclosed herein, a flexible container <NUM> is arranged at the bottom of the filter enclosure <NUM> between the filter <NUM> and the filter enclosure <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, debris <NUM> collects on a portion of the flexible container <NUM> during an airborne extraction operation. In some examples, the flexible container <NUM> includes a fastener, magnet, hole, slot or other feature <NUM> from which a portion of the flexible container <NUM> may be extended to enclose the filter <NUM>. As shown, a tool <NUM> is used to mate with fastener <NUM> to hold and raise the flexible container <NUM> in direction <NUM>, while in some examples a mechanical or other device is incorporated with the filter enclosure <NUM> to automatically raise the flexible container.

Once the flexible container <NUM> fully encloses the filter <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the enclosed filter <NUM> can be removed from the filter enclosure <NUM> in direction <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Further, once the flexible container <NUM> fully encloses the filter <NUM>, the flexible container may be closed by a seal <NUM> (e.g., a zipper, a clamp, a heat seal, etc.), as shown in <FIG>.

In some examples, the flexible container <NUM> is a bag comprising a durable yet flexible material, such as a polymer, silicon, composite, as a non-limiting list of examples. The flexible container <NUM> may be housed in a sacrificial package, which may protect the flexible container <NUM> during an airborne evacuation operation. Thus, to initiate a disposal operation, the sacrificial package may be opened, broken, punctured, or otherwise removed to expose the flexible container within. In some examples, the sacrificial package may comprise a gasket to secure the package below the filter <NUM> and hold edges of the flexible container at corners of the filter enclosure. The sacrificial package may further include tabs or extensions to make the fastener <NUM> accessible for removal. In some examples, the sacrificial package and/or gasket may be part of the filter enclosure, configured to release a stored flexible container for disposal, then to accept a new flexible container after disposal.

<FIG> illustrate another example debris disposal system employing removable trays <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the tray <NUM> is arranged below the filter <NUM> to collect airborne debris <NUM>. A handle, spring loaded release, or other suitable mechanism <NUM> is configured for easy handling and/or removal of the tray <NUM>. In some examples, a film or other cover <NUM> is arranged at the opening, such as in a roll. As shown in <FIG>, as the tray <NUM> (and debris <NUM> contained therein) is removed from the filter enclosure <NUM> in the direction <NUM>, the film <NUM> is rolled onto a portion of the tray <NUM> to form a seal <NUM> to prevent debris from being released into the environment during a disposal operation. In some examples, the tray <NUM> is made of a durable material (e.g., metal, plastic, etc.) for repeated use. In some examples, the tray <NUM> is formed of a disposable material (e.g., cardboard, wood, plastic, etc.) that may be discarded and replaced by another tray.

<FIG> illustrate another example debris removal system such that one or more of the filter enclosure <NUM>, the filter element <NUM>, and/or another container includes a removable or partially removable panel <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a release mechanism <NUM> may include a trigger <NUM> and a closure, clasp, or pin <NUM> configured to hold the panel <NUM> in a closed configuration during an airborne extraction operation. Upon activation of the trigger <NUM> (e.g., from an operator), the panel <NUM> is configured to pivot about hinge <NUM> to open and release debris <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In some examples, the opening provided by release of the panel <NUM> may provide access to the filter <NUM> for removal, replacement, and/or cleaning.

<FIG> illustrate another example filter removal systems employing a flexible container <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the flexible container <NUM> is secured at the opening <NUM> of the filter enclosure <NUM> by use of a magnet, fastener, hole, pin, or other fixturing <NUM> to mate with fastener <NUM>. In some examples, a magnetic fastener <NUM> is attracted to a metallic wall of the filter enclosure <NUM>. In some examples, the flexible container <NUM> is fastened directly to the filter element prior to removal. As the filter <NUM> is removed, the flexible container <NUM> encloses the filter <NUM> as it is removed from the filter enclosure <NUM> in direction <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Once the enclosed filter <NUM> is removed from the filter enclosure <NUM>, a seal <NUM> can close the flexible container <NUM> to prevent debris from being released into the environment during a disposal operation.

In some examples, the filter <NUM> may include one or more handles, bars, or other device <NUM>. The handles <NUM> may be configured to be exposed for removal of the filter element during a disposal operation. For instance, the handles allow for manipulation (by an operator, robot, tool, etc.) through one or more surfaces of the flexible container <NUM> to aid in removal of the filter <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate yet another example filter removal systems employing a flexible container 50A. In the example of <FIG>, a semi-porous flexible container 50A is arranged at opening <NUM> of the filter enclosure <NUM>. As the filter <NUM> is inserted into the filter enclosure <NUM> in direction <NUM> shown in <FIG>, a portion of the semi-porous flexible container 50A is secured to a portion of the filter enclosure <NUM> at the opening <NUM> (e.g., as fastener <NUM> and fastener <NUM> mate). As a result, the semi-porous flexible container 50A expands and/or unrolls to surround the filter <NUM> in preparation for an airborne extraction operation. For disposal of the filter <NUM>, the semi-porous flexible container 50A can be released from the fastener <NUM> and sealed at the top portion (e.g., at the opening <NUM>), such that the enclosed filter <NUM> is removed in its entirety.

<FIG> TO 7D are diagrammatical representations of yet another example filter removal systems employing a removable base opposite the opening <NUM> of the filter enclosure <NUM>, making the interior of the filter enclosure <NUM> accessible through the removable bas. As shown, a first movable panel <NUM> and a second movable panel <NUM> enclose a space containing fasteners <NUM> for a flexible container 50B. As shown in <FIG>, debris <NUM> falls onto a surface of the panel <NUM> during an extraction operation.

To initiate a filter and/or debris removal operation, panel <NUM> is removed by sliding in direction <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The panel <NUM> may be pulled manually by a handle <NUM> or may be automatically moved (e.g., by use of a motor). The flexible container 50B can be secured to fasteners <NUM> to hold the container 50B in place and to hold it open. <FIG> illustrates the panel <NUM> being moved in direction <NUM> (by pulling handle <NUM>), thereby allowing the debris and filter <NUM> to fall in direction <NUM> into the flexible container 50B. The filter <NUM> can be secured to fasteners <NUM> during extraction operations, and released from the fasteners <NUM> during a filter removal operation.

In some examples, an evacuation tool <NUM> may be employed (e.g., via an opening or other attachment) to remove remaining debris during and/or after filter removal.

As shown in <FIG>, the once filter <NUM> is in place within the flexible container 50B, the flexible container 50B can be removed from fasteners <NUM>. A cinch, zip, seal, and/or other closure device <NUM> may be used to prevent debris <NUM> entering the atmosphere. Panels <NUM> and/or <NUM> can be put back in place by moving them in direction <NUM>, and a new filter <NUM> can be inserted into the filter enclosure <NUM> (secured in place by fasteners <NUM>).

Based on sensor or other data, the control circuitry may determine a value of the one or more operating conditions and compare the value to a list of threshold operating condition values. If the operating condition value exceeds a first or given threshold operating condition value (e.g., provided in a listing of threshold operating condition values, such as stored in a memory associated with the control circuitry <NUM>), the control circuitry is configured to control the valve to open to convey pressurized air to initiate a cleaning operation.

Turning to <FIG> and <FIG>, a cooling system <NUM> for cooling sparks that may collect in debris and/or be introduced into an extraction system <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the cooling system <NUM> is arranged upstream of the filter <NUM> (and may be arranged upstream of the filter enclosure <NUM>). The cooling system <NUM> may include one or more conduits and/or manifolds, which may be provide support through which the conduit <NUM> is attached to the housing <NUM>. Air <NUM> is drawn into the conduit <NUM> from the work area and is slowed upon reaching the cooling system <NUM> prior to exposure to the filter <NUM>. For example, the cooling system <NUM> provides a tortuous path through which air and/or debris flows, thereby increasing the time and/or distance debris (including heated and/or sparking particulate matter) travels to reach the filter <NUM>.

<FIG> provides a cross-sectional view of the cooling system <NUM>. As shown, an inlet or conduit <NUM> allows air <NUM> to enter the housing or manifold <NUM>. The manifold <NUM> includes one or more top walls <NUM>, side walls <NUM> or <NUM>, and/or bottom plates <NUM>. In some examples, the conduit <NUM> is configures to mate with conduit <NUM>, thereby creating a substantially airtight path for air <NUM>. The bottom plate <NUM> may include one or more fasteners or other mounting equipment for securing the cooling system <NUM> to the housing <NUM>, or may be welding to the housing. Although illustrated as having a substantially rectangular geometry, the manifold <NUM> and/or any constituent part may include any type and/or types of geometry. For example, the manifold <NUM> may be circular, triangular, oval, as a list of non-limiting examples, and the constituent parts may conform to the manifold geometry.

As shown, one or more perpendicular plates <NUM> is arranged within the manifold <NUM> to meet the airflow from conduit <NUM>. Having met resistance from the perpendicular plate <NUM>, the air <NUM> is diverted to the internal surface of the walls, etc., of the manifold <NUM>, and/or through one or more slots <NUM> (which allows for some particulate matter to fall through). As the air <NUM> flows toward the base plate <NUM>, in some examples, it will meet a surface of one or more secondary plates <NUM>, further slowing the flow of the air. As shown, the secondary plates <NUM> are orientated at an angle relative to the direction of airflow through the manifold <NUM> (e.g., approximately <NUM> degrees, and/or less or more than <NUM> degrees).

In some examples, the secondary plates <NUM> include additional slots <NUM>, whereas in other examples the secondary plates <NUM> and/or the perpendicular plate(s) <NUM> do not include slots <NUM>. In some examples, the slots <NUM> are openings formed, cut, drilled, or otherwise created in the plates <NUM>, <NUM>. In some examples, a grate or other filter <NUM> is arranged at, near, or with one or more of the slots <NUM>. The filter <NUM> may be removable and/or have a different opening size and/or material composition (e.g., metal, ceramic, etc.) to suit a particular application.

Together the plates <NUM>, <NUM> and/or slots <NUM> create a tortuous path for the flow of air to yield cooled air 12A and/or cooled particulate debris 78A. As the manifold <NUM> of the cooling system <NUM> is angled downward, shown in the example of <FIG>, and the plates have slots, particulate matter that collects is allowed to fall and slide into the enclosure <NUM>, to be removed by one or more of the disposal techniques disclosed herein, including removal by way of tray <NUM>. In this way, the cooling system <NUM> is self-cleaning.

Although illustrated with a relative size, shape, and/or arrangement, the plates may be modified to create and/or divert one or more tortuous paths that vary in size and flow pattern. The system may be scaled for different ducting sizes (e.g., larger or smaller systems, high or low pressure, etc.). Further, although three plates are shown in <FIG>, additional plates may be employed to further increase the spark cooling effect and further frustrate the flow or air.

The disclosed cooling system <NUM> provides advantages over other systems. For example, the perpendicular plate <NUM> and/or secondary plates <NUM> allow for collected debris to fall into the enclosure <NUM> for removal without requiring access to the manifold interior and/or removal of the system. Further, in the example of <FIG>, the manifold <NUM> is arranged above the enclosure <NUM>, thereby allowing cooled and collected debris 78A to fall naturally into the enclosure <NUM>. In some examples, the system is arranged to a side or at an angle to the enclosure <NUM>, depending on variations on different applications.

Claim 1:
A filter disposal system for an airborne extractor system (<NUM>) comprising:
a flexible container (<NUM>) to enclose a filter element (<NUM>), the flexible container being defined by a first configuration corresponding to an airborne extraction operation and a second configuration corresponding to a disposal operation; and
a filter enclosure (<NUM>) to house the filter element, the filter enclosure (<NUM>) comprising an opening (<NUM>) to insert the filter element,
wherein the flexible container (<NUM>) is arranged between a first portion of the filter element (<NUM>) and the filter enclosure (<NUM>) in the first configuration and between a second portion of the filter element and the filter enclosure in the second configuration, wherein the second portion is greater than the first portion;
characterized in that the flexible container (<NUM>) is stored at an end of the filter enclosure (<NUM>) opposite the opening (<NUM>) in the first configuration; and
in that the flexible container (<NUM>) comprises a fastener, magnet, hole or slot (<NUM>); and in that the system (<NUM>) comprises means for engaging the fastener, magnet, hole or slot to extend the flexible container (<NUM>) to enclose the filter element (<NUM>).