Automated dust filter cleaning

US8506674B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• International Business Machines Corporation · US

Inventors

• Kathy L. Brown-Fitzpatrick · Morrisville, US
• Gary D. Cudak · Creedmoor, US
• Christopher J. Hardee · Raleigh, US
• James R. Lee · Raleigh, US
• John Lloyd · Durham, US
• William E. Lohmeyer, Jr. · Apex, US
• Andrew H. Wray · Hillsborough, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 30, 2012
• Grant date: Aug 13, 2013
• Expiry date: Oct 30, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B03C3/68
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method of cleaning a dust filter includes applying a negative electrical potential to a first electrode in a first area of a dust filter and applying a positive electrical potential to a second electrode disposed in a second area of the dust filter, wherein a voltage differential between the first and second electrodes is sufficient to cause electrostatic movement of dust from the first area to the second area. Then, the method further includes applying a negative electrical potential to the second electrode and applying a positive electrical potential to a third electrode disposed in a third area of the dust filter, wherein a voltage differential between the second and third electrodes is sufficient to cause electrostatic movement of dust from the second area to the third area, and wherein the first, second and third areas are generally linearly arranged.