Multi-functional molded filter for removing contaminants from an enclosure
AssigneeGore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
InventorRajan Gidumal
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention is an improved molded filter which performs multiple filtration functions within an enclosed environment, such as within a computer hard disk drive. In a first embodiment, the filter is capable of removing particulate contaminants from both incoming (external) air and recirculating air by performing both breather and recirculation functions when placed over a breather hole in a disk drive. In an alternative embodiment, the filter also incorporates an adsorbent material which allows it to remove both particulate and vapor phase contaminants from incoming (external) air and recirculating air within the disk drive.
Claims19
A filter adapted for filtering particulates present within and particulates entering through a breather hole in an enclosed environment housing sensitive equipment, comprising:
- a layered construction comprising at least one protective support layer, at least one first filter layer selected from the group consisting of an electret material and a triboelectret material, and at least one second filter layer, said construction being molded so that it has a permanent three-dimensional shape defining a cavity therein;
- at least one substantially planar filter layer adjacent said cavity;
- and
- a perimeter seal sealing the layered construction to the at least one substantially planar filter layer,
- whereby when the filter is located within the enclosed environment and positioned over the breather hole, the filter is capable of filtering particulates entering and within the enclosed environment.
A filter adapted for filtering particulates present within and particulates entering through a breather hole in an enclosed environment housing sensitive equipment, comprising:
- a layered construction comprising at least one protective support layer comprising a polypropylene scrim material, at least one first filter layer comprising a triboelectret material comprising clean porous polypropylene fibers and clean modified acrylic fibers, and at least one second filter layer comprising expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane, said construction being molded so that it has a permanent three-dimensional shape defining a cavity therein;
- an adsorbent material within said cavity;
- at least one substantially planar filter layer comprising expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane adjacent said cavity;
- a perimeter seal sealing the layered construction to the at least one substantially planar filter layer;
- and
- a diffusion tube adjacent said substantially planar filter layer,
- whereby when the filter is located within the enclosed environment and positioned over the breather hole, the filter is capable of filtering particulates entering and within the enclosed environment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.