Variable geometry manifold for generating laminar air flow

Abstract

Systems, methods, and apparatus for generating a laminar air flow using a variable geometry manifold.

1 . A system for electrostatically purifying air using a variable geometry manifold comprising:
 an axially symmetric intake having a proximal and terminal end, wherein the terminal end is narrower than the proximal end, and wherein the axially symmetric intake is configured to be in fluid communication with an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) air purifier;   a suction fan mounted to the terminal end of the axially symmetric intake, and configured to draw external air containing particulate matter that is neutrally charged through the axially symmetric intake, wherein the axially symmetric intake forms a laminar flow of the external air that is introduced to the ESP air purifier where it passes through an electric field that extends from a negatively charged plate to a positively charged collecting plate; and   wherein the electric field ionizes the particulate matter within the laminal flow, and wherein the electric field repels the ionized particulate matter away from the negative plate and towards the collecting plate causing the ionized particulate matter to attach to the collecting plate.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said axially symmetric intake comprises a continuous axially symmetric intake, or a non-continuous axially symmetric intake. 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said continuous axially symmetric intake comprises a plurality of intake panels coupled by one or more in-line brackets. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said continuous axially symmetric intake comprises at least four intake panels coupled by a plurality in-line brackets. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein said plurality of in-line brackets externally couple the lateral surfaces of the four intake panels forming a joint that maintains a continuous inner surface of the axially symmetric intake. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an intake assembly coupled to the proximal end of the axially symmetric intake. 
     
     
         8 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a support base securing the axially symmetric intake in-line with the air flow into the body of the ESP air purifier. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said support base comprises a plurality of support arms secured to the proximal end of the axially symmetric intake. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said support base comprises one or more support columns secured to the terminal end of the axially symmetric intake. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a mounting plate configured to secure the suction fan in-line with the air flow into the body of the ESP air purifier. 
     
     
         16 - 37 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . A system for electrostatically purifying air using a variable geometry manifold comprising:
 an axially symmetric intake having a proximal and terminal end, wherein the terminal end is narrower than the proximal end, and wherein the axially symmetric intake is configured to be in fluid communication with an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) air purifier;   wherein the manifold is secured to a stationary or non-stationary object and positioned to allow external air containing particulate matter that is neutrally charged to pass through the axially symmetric intake, wherein the axially symmetric intake forms a laminar flow of the external air that is introduced to the ESP air purifier where it passes through an electric field that extends from a negatively charged plate to a positively charged collecting plate; and   wherein the electric field ionizes the particulate matter within the laminal flow, and wherein the electric field repels the ionized particulate matter away from the negative plate and towards the collecting plate causing the ionized particulate matter to attach to the collecting plate.   
     
     
         39 . The system of  claim 38 , wherein said axially symmetric intake comprises a continuous axially symmetric intake, or a non-continuous, axially symmetric intake. 
     
     
         40 . The system of  claim 38 , wherein said non-stationary object is selected from: a vehicle, a bus, a car, a train, a boat, a ship, an airplane. 
     
     
         41 . The system of  claim 39 , wherein said continuous axially symmetric intake comprises a plurality of intake panels coupled by one or more in-line brackets. 
     
     
         42 . The system of  claim 39 , wherein said continuous axially symmetric intake comprises at least four intake panels coupled by a plurality in-line brackets. 
     
     
         43 . The system of  claim 42 , wherein said plurality of in-line brackets externally couple the lateral surfaces of the four intake panels forming a joint that maintains a continuous inner surface of the axially symmetric intake. 
     
     
         44 . The system of  claim 42 , further comprising an intake assembly coupled to the proximal end of the axially symmetric intake. 
     
     
         45 - 48 . (canceled) 
     
     
         49 . The system of claim  48 , further comprising a support base securing the axially symmetric intake in-line with the air flow into the body of the ESP air purifier. 
     
     
         50 . The system of  claim 38 , wherein said support base comprises a plurality of support arms secured to the proximal end of the axially symmetric intake. 
     
     
         51 . The system of  claim 38 , wherein said support base comprises one or more support columns secured to the terminal end of the axially symmetric intake. 
     
     
         52 - 53 . (canceled)