| abstract |
A self-powered, personally wearable air purifier (10) includes a pre-selected sequence of packed bed filter media packets (28) having filter media therein of types specifically targeted to absorb a range of ambient air pollutants that have been identified as being particularly dangerous to human health. Also included is a HEPA filter (30) for the removal of particulate matter that will have adhered thereto many of such pollutants, particularly sulfur and nitrogen oxides arising from diesel combustion. Media types can be selected to meet different environmental circumstances, including normal highway or city center air, or terrorist attacks of chemical, biological or nuclear ('dirty bomb') types as on a battlefield or similar environments. An air pipe (48) near the air outlet (36) is adapted to receive a hose to which may be connected a face mask or other breathing apparatus, typically with an associated air bag of the type used in airplane oxygen masks. Electrical power (72, 76, 172) for operating fans (42) that draw ambient air through the apparatus is provided by an array of replaceable and/or chargeable batteries (72, 172) that are also connected to a battery tester (90). A power inlet 15 (76) for a power plug is also provided whereby the air purifier (10) can be connected to a cigarette lighter outlet in a motor vehicle. Shoulder straps (54) and a chest strap (56) are provided for wearing the apparatus on a user's back, or other means such as a shoulder pouch (176) can also be employed. The amounts of filter media used, and the power requirements and means for providing that power, are adjusted to maximize both the amount of pollutants that will be removed from the air passing through the apparatus and the length of time of self- powered operation. |