Vacuum filtration system especially adapted for removing smoke in the vicinity of ashtrays
US5944024A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 1996 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 8, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF24F8/97
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A vacuum filtration system especially adapted for removing smoke in the vicinity of ashtrays includes a vacuum manifold assembly for connecting a plurality of hoods adapted for placement over ashtrays to a common charcoal filter and vacuum blower/motor assembly. The vacuum manifold includes a plurality of flexible tubing segments secured to connectors. A plurality of replaceable disposable first stage filter elements in fluid communication with each of the hoods filter smoke prior to passage into the manifold, thus substantially reducing tar fouling of the system. In a first embodiment of the invention, the hood includes a circular disk shaped member which also functions as a drink coaster disposed in fluid communication with a conduit slidably received in a connector mounted in the table adjacent an ashtray location. The combined hood and coaster may be raised and disposed over an ashtray to collect smoke, or lowered against the table surface for use as a drink coaster. In a second embodiment of the invention, the hood includes a partially cylindrical rear shroud to enhance smoke containment and collection. A control box includes an on/off switch and a power on LED.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.