US 2004/0163367 A1 · THERMOCHROMIC FILTER APPARATUS FOR COMPUTER

Abstract

A filter apparatus includes a filter panel having inner and outer surfaces and a configuration for completely covering a computer housing ventilation opening. The filter apparatus includes an adhesive layer permanently adhered to the inner surface of the filter panel. A thermochromic region is positioned on the outer surface of the filter panel which changes color as temperature increases. The thermochromic region includes an ink layer and a wax layer positioned atop the ink layer. The wax layer includes a thermochromic dye having a color different from the color of the ink layer. The color of the thermochromic dye blocks the color of the ink layer at an ambient temperature and is transparent to allow the ink layer color to be seen at an activation temperature. Therefore, the filter apparatus provides an indication when the filter is full and heat is building within the housing as a result.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A filter apparatus for use on a computer of a type having heat generating electronics positioned in a housing with an air intake opening, the opening being positioned to receive air into said housing upon operation of a fan situated therein, said filter apparatus comprising:

a filter panel having an inner surface and an outer surface, said filter panel having a configuration for completely covering said opening;
a layer of adhesive permanently adhered to said inner surface of said filter panel along a peripheral edge thereof for removably adhering said filter panel to an outer surface of said housing at a position covering said opening, whereby all air received through said opening passes through said filter panel;
and
a thermochromic region positioned on said outer surface of said filter panel, said thermochromic region including an ink layer having a first color and a wax having a thermochromic dye therein positioned atop said ink layer, said thermochromic dye having a second color different from said first color at room temperature so as to block said first color, said wax and thermochromic dye changing to a transparent state at an activation temperature, whereby said first color is visible at said activation temperature.

1 more element

an electrostatic filter panel having an inner surface and an outer surface, said filter panel having a configuration for completely covering said opening, said filter having a plurality of permanently charged polyester fibers for generating an electric charge as air passes over said fibers, whereby to attract dust;
a layer of adhesive permanently adhered to said inner surface of said filter panel along a peripheral edge thereof for removably adhering said filter panel to an outer surface of said housing at a position covering said opening, whereby all air received through said opening passes through said filter panel;
and
a plurality of thermochromic regions spaced apart on said outer surface of said filter panel, each thermochromic region comprising:
an ink layer having a first color;
a leucodye having a wax layer with a thermochromic dye therein, said wax layer being positioned atop said ink layer, said thermochromic dye having a second color different from said first color at room temperature so as to block said first color, said wax layer and thermochromic dye becoming transparent at an activation temperature such that said first color is visible at said activation temperature.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Thermochromic filter apparatus for computer

Life of this patent

Thermochromic filter apparatus for computer

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18