Extraction and filtration of contaminated air in laser printing systems for microscope slides

Abstract

The present disclosure is useful for extraction and filtration of contaminated air in laser printing systems for microscope slides. Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for providing extraction and filtration techniques for polluted air output from a laser printing system. The extraction and filtration technique includes: a plenum proximate to a printing or marking area of a laser printing system for receiving emissions output from the laser printing system and containing contaminated air containing the emissions to reduce the volume of the contaminated air; one or more filters for filtering emissions from the contaminated air, one or more filters for filtering emissions from the contaminated air; and a fan assembly in fluid communication with the plenum for extracting the contaminated air to cause a flow of the contaminated air to flow out of the plenum and through the one or more filters to filter at least a portion of the particulate matter and volatile organic compounds from the contaminated air to produce filtered air.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for extracting and filtering contaminated air. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for extracting and filtering contaminated air from a laser printing system for microscope slides, the contaminated air containing particulate matter, airborne molecular contaminants, and / or volatile organic compounds. BACKGROUND

[0002] Laser printing systems utilize lasers to mark objects, such as microscope slides. In marking microscope slides, laser printing systems generate emissions, such as particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCS), which are released into the environment and inside the laser printing system, at certain concentrations, which create an odor, cause discomfort to users, and present a health risk. Previous techniques for extracting and filtering emissions include flowing air from a front vent of the laser printing system, through the laser printing system, and through an axial fan and filter located at a rear of the laser printing system, the filter including a M5 synthetic filter and a carbon filter. These techniques include using an axial fan to draw air from the emission source, through the internal mechanisms of the laser printing system, and to the filter. These previous techniques for extraction and filtration cause particulate matter to accumulate at multiple areas between the emission source and the filter. For example, contaminated air can flow near internal mechanisms of the laser printing system, such as one or more electronic areas, which over time, accumulate particulate matter from the emission source. Accumulation of such particulate matter can affect the functionality and / or useful life of the internal mechanisms of the laser printing system (e.g., mechanical and / or electrical components). For example, accumulation of particulate matter can impede the movement of moving mechanical components (e.g., lead screws that drive the laser printing system) and shorten the useful life and reduce the functionality of electrical components (e.g., optical sensors). Previous techniques for extracting and filtering contaminated air do not prevent the accumulation of particulate matter on the internal mechanisms of the laser printing system. SUMMARY

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure address the above-mentioned problems by providing systems, apparatuses, and methods for extracting and filtering contaminated air containing emissions output from a laser printing system. Embodiments of the present disclosure include a plenum for receiving emissions output from a laser printing system, a fan assembly for extracting contaminated air containing the emissions, and at least one filter for filtering the contaminated air. The plenum can be positioned proximate to a printing or marking area of the laser printing system and contain a volume of contaminated air such that the contaminated air can be directed away from one or more components of the laser printing system to prevent or reduce buildup of emissions from the laser printing system on the one or more components. Further, the plenum can prevent or reduce the escape of emissions from the laser printing system such that the volume of contaminated air generated is reduced. The fan assembly can prevent or reduce buildup of contaminants by causing the contaminated air to flow directly from the source of emissions and through the one or more filters.

[0004] Clause 1. A system for installation in a laser printing system and for extracting and filtering contaminated air output during a laser printing process for marking a microscope slide, the system comprising: a plenum comprising a chamber for receiving contaminated air output from the laser printing system; a pre-filter in fluid communication with the plenum, wherein the pre-filter receives an air stream passing therethrough, the air stream containing the contaminated air contained in the plenum, wherein the flow of the air stream through the pre-filter filters out particulate matter having a large size to produce a pre-filtered air stream; one or more filters in fluid communication with the pre-filter, wherein the one or more filters receive the pre-filtered air stream from the pre-filter, wherein the one or more filters comprise: a first filter to filter at least a portion of the particulate matter having a first size, wherein the first size of the particulate matter is smaller than the large size of the particulate matter filtered by the pre-filter; and a second filter to filter at least a portion of volatile organic compounds; and a fan assembly comprising at least a fan for providing a pressure differential to the system to cause the air stream to flow from the plenum, through the pre-filter, through the fan assembly, and through the one or more filters.

[0005] Clause 2. The system of clause 1, wherein the plenum comprises one or more members defining a containment area, wherein the pre-filter is disposed at least partially within the containment area.

[0006] Clause 3. The system of any one of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the plenum further comprises one or more support frames that are removably coupleable to the laser printing system.

[0007] Clause 4. The system of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the fan assembly is disposed downstream of the pre-filter and upstream of the one or more filters, wherein the one or more filters further comprise a third filter to filter at least a portion of the particulate matter having a second size, wherein the second size of the particulate matter is smaller than the first size of the particulate matter filtered by the first filter, wherein the third filter is disposed downstream of the first filter and upstream of the second filter.

[0008] Clause 5. The system of any of clauses 1-4, further comprising: a multi-stage filter cartridge comprising the one or more filters; and a funnel in fluid communication with the pre-filter and the multi-stage filter cartridge, wherein the funnel receives the pre-filtered air stream therethrough, wherein the multi-stage filter cartridge receives the pre-filtered air stream from the funnel, wherein the multi-stage filter cartridge is in fluid downstream communication with the funnel such that the pre-filtered air stream output from the funnel is input to the multi-stage filter cartridge to expand a cross-sectional area of the pre-filtered air stream prior to inputting the pre-filtered air stream to the multi-stage filter cartridge.

[0009] Clause 6. The system of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the plenum further comprises an opening to receive a laser of the laser printing system, wherein the laser extends through the chamber of the plenum and towards a print area of the laser printing system.

[0010] Clause 7. The system of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the plenum further comprises: a first cross-sectional area; a second cross-sectional area that is larger than the first cross-sectional area; and one or more extended surfaces that transition the first cross-sectional area of the plenum to the second cross-sectional area of the plenum.

[0011] Clause 8. The system of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the fan assembly comprises a bladeless fan.

[0012] Clause 9. The system of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the fan assembly is disposed downstream of the plenum and the multi-stage filter cartridge.

[0013] Clause 10. The system of any of clauses 1-9, further comprising a suction adapter fluidly coupling the plenum to the fan assembly.

[0014] Clause 11. A system for installation in a laser printing system and for extracting and filtering contaminated air output during a laser printing process for marking microscope slides, the system comprising: a plenum comprising a chamber for receiving contaminated air output from the laser printing system; one or more filters in fluid communication with the plenum, wherein the one or more filters receive an air stream passing therethrough, the air stream comprising the contaminated air contained in the plenum, wherein the one or more filters filter at least a portion of particulate matter and at least a portion of volatile organic compounds; and a fan assembly for providing a pressure differential to the system to cause the air stream to flow from the plenum and through the one or more filters.

[0015] Clause 12. The system of clause 11, wherein the fan assembly comprises a bladeless fan.

[0016] Clause 13. The system of any one of clauses 11 or 12, wherein the plenum comprises an opening for receiving a laser from the laser printing system such that the laser extends through the chamber of the plenum and marks one or more microscope slides in a marking area of the laser printing system.

[0017] Clause 14. The system of any one of clauses 11 to 13, wherein the one or more filters comprise a first filter for filtering at least a portion of particulate matter having a first size, wherein the one or more filters further comprise a second filter for filtering at least a portion of particulate matter having a second size, wherein the second size of the particulate matter is smaller than the first size of the particulate matter filtered by the first filter, wherein the one or more filters further comprise a third filter for filtering at least a portion of volatile organic compounds, wherein the third filter is disposed downstream of the first filter and the second filter.

[0018] Clause 15. The system of any one of clauses 11 to 14, further comprising: a multi-stage filter cartridge comprising the one or more filters, wherein the fan assembly is disposed downstream of the plenum and upstream of the multi-stage filter cartridge.

[0019] Clause 16. The system of any one of clauses 11 to 15, further comprising: a multi-stage filter cartridge comprising the one or more filters, wherein the fan assembly is disposed downstream of the plenum and the multi-stage filter cartridge.

[0020] Clause 17. The system of any one of clauses 11 to 16, further comprising a suction adapter fluidly coupling the plenum to the fan assembly.

[0021] Clause 18. The system of any one of clauses 11-17, further comprising a funnel disposed upstream of the at least one filter of the one or more filters, wherein the funnel receives the air stream and expands a cross-sectional area of the air stream prior to inputting the air stream to the at least one filter of the one or more filters.

[0022] Clause 19. A method for extracting and filtering emissions from a laser printing process for labeling microscope slides via an extraction system, the method comprising: receiving emissions output from the laser printing process via a plenum of the extraction system; containing the contaminated air comprising the emissions in the plenum of the extraction system, wherein the extraction system further comprises a fan assembly and one or more filters; extracting the contaminated air from the plenum by flowing the contaminated air via the fan assembly to form an air stream comprising the contaminated air; and flowing the air stream through the one or more filters to filter at least a portion of particulate matter and at least a portion of volatile organic compounds to form a filtered air stream.

[0023] Clause 20. The method of clause 19, wherein the extraction system further comprises a pre-filter, wherein the method further comprises flowing the contaminated air through the pre-filter to filter at least a portion of particulate matter having a large size prior to flowing the contaminated air through the one or more filters.

[0024] Clause 21. The method of any one of clauses 19 or 20, wherein the plenum comprises: a first cross-sectional area; a second cross-sectional area that is larger than the first cross-sectional area; and one or more extension surfaces that transition the first cross-sectional area of the plenum to the second cross-sectional area of the plenum, wherein the method further comprises expanding a cross-sectional area of the air stream via the one or more extension surfaces to distribute the air stream over a surface of the pre-filter.

[0025] Clause 22. The method of any one of clauses 19-21, wherein the extraction system further comprises a multi-stage filter cartridge comprising a first filter stage having a first filter of the one or more filters, a second filter stage having a second filter of the one or more filters, and a third filter stage having a third filter of the one or more filters, wherein flowing the air stream through the one or more filters comprises: flowing the air stream through the first filter stage to filter at least a portion of particulate matter having a first size; flowing the air stream through the second filter stage to filter at least a portion of particulate matter having a second size that is smaller than the first size; and flowing the air stream through the third filter stage to filter at least a portion of volatile organic compounds.

[0026] Clause 23. The method of any one of clauses 19-22, further comprising: marking one or more microscope slides via a laser, wherein the laser extends through the opening of the plenum, wherein contaminated air is extracted in response to marking the one or more microscope slides.

[0027] Clause 24. The method of any one of clauses 19-23, wherein the extraction system further comprises a funnel directly fluidly coupled to at least one of the one or more filters, wherein the method further comprises expanding a cross-sectional area of the air flow via the funnel to distribute the air flow across a surface of at least one of the one or more filters.

[0028] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

[0030] Figure 1 depicts a front isometric view of an exemplary system for extracting and filtering contaminated air, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0031] Figure 2 depicts a back isometric view of an exemplary system for extracting and filtering contaminated air, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0032] Figure 3 depicts a cross-sectional top view of an exemplary system for extracting and filtering contaminated air, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0033] Figure 4 depicts an exemplary plenum, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0034] Figure 5 depicts an exemplary laser printing system with an extraction system, in accordance with some embodiments; and

[0035] Figure 6 depicts an exemplary method for extracting and filtering contaminated air.

[0036] The drawing figures are not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawing figures do not necessarily show to scale the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments of the disclosure. The embodiments are intended to adequately describe the aspects of the disclosure to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the disclosure. Other embodiments can be utilized and other changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the embodiments of the disclosure is defined only by the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents for which such claims are entitled.

[0038] In this specification, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment” or “embodiments” mean that a feature so described is included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment” or “embodiments” in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise and / or unless it is readily apparent from the description that one embodiment is included exclusively. For example, a feature described in one embodiment can also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Accordingly, the technology can include various combinations and / or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

[0039] As used herein, emissions can refer to any combination of particulate matter (PM), airborne molecular contaminants (AMC), volatile organic compounds (VOCS), ozone, or off-odors produced as a byproduct of a system, such as a laser printing system for printing on microscope slides. As used herein, contaminated air can refer to air containing emissions (e.g., particulate matter, AMC, and / or VOCS), such as emissions produced from a laser printing process. As used herein, PM can refer to any of solid particles, droplets, and / or particulate contaminants found in the air. The size of PM can be measured using the diameter of the PM in micrometers (pm). For example, PM 10 refers to PM having a diameter of 10 pm or less, PM 2.5 refers to PM having a diameter of 2.5 pm or less. As used herein, coarse particles can refer to PM having a diameter of 10 pm to 2.5 pm, fine particles refer to PM having a diameter of 2.5 pm to 0.1 pm, and ultrafine particles refer to PM having a diameter of less than 0.1 pm.

[0040] As used herein, AMC can refer to highly diluted particles in the air, such as bases (e.g., NH3, amines, TMA, NMP, AsH3, TMAH), acids (e.g., HF SO x , HCl, NO xVOCs include compounds with high vapor pressure and low water solubility (e.g., BHT, DOP, DBP, TMB, siloxanes) and dopants (e.g., TEP, PH3, BF3, B2H6, AsH3). As used herein, VOCs can refer to compounds with high vapor pressure and low water solubility (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylene).

[0041] There is a need for extraction and filtration systems to reduce or prevent the accumulation of emissions within laser printing systems (such as those used for printing on microscope slides). Embodiments of this disclosure provide systems, apparatus, and methods for extracting and filtering contaminated air from an emission source. Embodiments of this disclosure include: a collection chamber located near the printing or marking area of ​​the laser printing system for receiving emissions output from the laser printing system; and a fan assembly for extracting contaminated air containing emissions from the collection chamber and directing the contaminated air through at least one filter to filter the contaminated air. The collection chamber can be positioned near the printing or marking area of ​​the laser printing system and contain a volume of contaminated air such that the contaminated air can be directed away from one or more components of the laser printing system to prevent or reduce the accumulation of emissions on one or more components of the laser printing system. Furthermore, the collection chamber can prevent or reduce the escape of emissions from the laser printing system, thereby reducing the volume of contaminated air generated. The fan assembly can prevent or reduce the accumulation of contaminants by directing the contaminated air directly from the emission source and through one or more filters.

[0042] The extraction system's gas collection chamber provides an improvement in reducing emissions generated during the laser printing process. The gas collection chamber receives emissions from the laser printing system, thereby reducing or preventing emissions from the laser printing system from being released into the environment. In some embodiments, the extraction system described herein reduces particulate matter emissions into the environment by a factor of ten compared to prior art.

[0043] Figures 1 to 2 An isometric view of an exemplary extraction system 100 for extracting and filtering contaminated air, according to some embodiments, is depicted. The extraction system is intended for use with laser printing systems (such as...) Figure 5 This is used in conjunction with the laser printing system 158 shown. For example, an extraction system 100 may be installed within the laser printing system to extract and filter contaminated air output during the laser printing process. In some embodiments, the extraction system 100 includes a collection chamber 102, a pre-filter 104, a fan assembly 106, and a multi-stage filter cartridge 108. The collection chamber 102 may be configured to receive emissions output from the laser printing system. For example, the collection chamber 102 may include a chamber 143 (hereinafter) near the marking or printing area of ​​the laser printing system. Figure 4(described in more detail below), causing the output emissions to enter chamber 143. Forcing the output emissions into chamber 143 reduces the volume of contaminated air generated by the emission source. This will be discussed below. Figure 4 The air collection chamber 102 is described in more detail below. The fan assembly 106 can provide a pressure differential and / or flow rate to circulate contaminated air from the air collection chamber 102 and pass it through filters of the extraction system 100, such as a pre-filter 104 and / or a multi-stage filter cartridge 108, to produce filtered air.

[0044] A collection chamber 102 is positioned within the laser printing system 158 to receive emissions from the laser printing process, such as VM, PM, AMC, and VOCs as described above. The collection chamber 102 includes a housing that forms a cavity for receiving emissions from the laser printing process. The collection chamber is advantageously located within the laser printing system, near the markings or printing area of ​​the laser printing system, such that the output emissions are captured within the cavity of the collection chamber. A fan assembly provides static pressure and / or volumetric flow rate to the extraction system 100, causing the output emissions to flow into the cavity 143 of the collection chamber 102, thereby containing contaminated air containing the emissions within the collection chamber 102.

[0045] In some embodiments, the housing of the gas collection chamber includes an open side, such as... Figure 1 The opening at the top, as shown, can engage with a housing (not shown) within the laser printing system when the gas collection chamber is positioned for use. When positioned for use, the gas collection chamber, cooperating with the housing of the laser printing system, can contain the output emissions, preventing them from flowing into or outside the laser printing system. Therefore, emissions are drawn into the chamber of the gas collection chamber via the opening side. It is understood that the emissions are contained within the air contained in the volume of the gas collection chamber. Thus, the gas collection chamber 102 prevents emissions (such as particulate matter) from escaping from the chamber 143 of the gas collection chamber 102. For example, the gas collection chamber 102 can be located near or around a microscope slide receiving the laser printing process and receive emissions generated during the laser printing process. The air containing the emissions (i.e., contaminated air) within the gas collection chamber 102 can then be extracted and filtered by the extraction system 100. In some embodiments, the gas collection chamber 102 can be configured to contain a pre-filter 104.

[0046] In some embodiments, the pre-filter 104 can be a first filter configured to filter larger particulate matter, such as particulate matter having a diameter of 10 pm or greater. By filtering out larger particulate matter (e.g., coarse particulate or particulate matter having a diameter of 10 pm or greater), the fan assembly 106 can be protected from larger particulates that would otherwise shorten the life cycle of the fan assembly 106. Additionally, filtering larger particulate matter before passing the contaminated air through the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can prevent the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 from becoming saturated with larger particulate matter and allow the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 to capture smaller particulate matter (e.g., particulate matter having a diameter of 10 pm or less). As used herein, filter saturation refers to a state of a filter in which the airflow through the filter is reduced by 50%. In some embodiments, the pre-filter 104 can filter at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, or at least 80% of particulate matter having a diameter of 10 pm or greater. In other words, the pre-filter 104 can block at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, or at least 80% of particulate matter having a diameter of 10 pm or greater from reaching the fan assembly 106 and / or the multi-stage filter cartridge 108.

[0047] In some embodiments, the pre-filter 104 can have a cross-sectional area in a range of 0.25 square centimeters (cm 2 ) to 100 cm 2 , in a range of 1 cm 2 to 75 cm 2 , in a range of 5 cm 2 to 50 cm 2 , or in a range of 10 cm 2 to 25 cm 2 , and a thickness in a range of 1 millimeter (mm) to 20 mm, in a range of 2.5 mm to 15 mm, or in a range of 5 mm to 10 mm. For example, the pre-filter 104 can have a cross-sectional area of 15.75 cm 2 and a thickness of 7 mm. In some embodiments, the pre-filter 104 can have a width in a range of 5 mm to 100 mm, in a range of 15 mm to 75 mm, or in a range of 25 mm to 50 mm, a height in a range of 5 mm to 100 mm, in a range of 15 mm to 75 mm, or in a range of 25 mm to 50 mm, and a thickness in a range of 1 mm to 20 mm, in a range of 2.5 mm to 15 mm, or in a range of 5 mm to 10 mm. For example, the pre-filter 104 can have a width of 45 mm, a height of 35 mm, and a thickness of 7 mm.

[0048] In contemplated embodiments, the pre-filter 104 can have any width, height, thickness, and / or cross-sectional area suitable for filtering the contaminated air and / or coupled to the plenum 102 and / or the fan assembly 106. In some embodiments, the width, height, thickness, and / or cross-sectional area of the pre-filter 104 can depend at least in part on a volume of contaminated air configured to be extracted using the extraction system 100. For example, if the extraction system 100 is configured to extract a larger volume of contaminated air, the pre-filter 104 can have a larger width, height, thickness, and / or cross-sectional area suitable for filtering the larger volume of contaminated air.

[0049] The pre-filter 104 can include an edge, a housing, and / or a tab (e.g., similar to the housing 116 of the multi-stage filter cartridge 108) to facilitate containment of emissions when the pre-filter 104 is removed from a laser printing system (e.g., the laser printing system 158 described below) to clean or replace the pre-filter 104. In some embodiments, the pre-filter 104 can be removably coupled to the laser printing system so that the pre-filter 104 can be removed, cleaned, and re-coupled to the laser printing system. Alternatively or additionally, the pre-filter 104 can be consumable such that when the pre-filter 104 becomes saturated, the pre-filter 104 can be removed, discarded, and replaced with a new pre-filter.

[0050] In some embodiments, the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can include a plurality of filter stages configured to filter emissions, such as particulate matter having a diameter of 0.1 pm or greater and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Further, the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can include a first filter stage 110, a second filter stage 112, and a third filter stage 114, as described in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can include a housing 116 configured to provide rigidity to the plurality of filter stages (e.g., the first filter stage 110, the second filter stage 112, and the third filter stage 114) and / or the multi-stage filter cartridge 108. In some embodiments, the housing 116 couples the plurality of filter stages 110, 112, 114 together. Figure 3

[0051] ​The fan assembly 106 can provide sufficient static pressure and volumetric flow rate to draw the exhaust stream output from the laser printing system to the chamber 143 of the plenum 102 and to flow the contaminated air containing the exhaust through the extraction system 100 to form filtered air. The fan assembly 106 can generate a static pressure sufficient to penetrate the filtration media (e.g., the prefilter 104 and / or the multi-stage filter cartridge 108) and reduce blowback, noise, and power requirements. As used herein, static pressure can be the pressure exerted by a fluid on an object when the object is in a state of relative rest with respect to the fluid. For example, the fan assembly 106 can provide a static pressure of 300 Pa, in other words, the fan assembly 106 pressurizes the air such that the air exerts a pressure of 300 Pa on one or more interior walls of the extraction system 100. In some embodiments, one or more components of the extraction system 100 can have an airflow resistance that impedes the flow of air through the extraction system 100. For example, one or more filters (e.g., the prefilter 104 and / or the multi-stage filter cartridge 108) can have an airflow resistance of up to 20 Pascal (Pa).

[0052] In some embodiments, the total airflow resistance of the extraction system 100 can be up to 20 Pa, up to 50 Pa, up to 100 Pa, up to 150 Pa, up to 200 Pa, up to 250 Pa, up to 300 Pa, or greater than 300 Pa. The fan assembly 106 can provide a static pressure of greater than 20 Pa, greater than 50 Pa, greater than 100 Pa, greater than 150 Pa, greater than 200 Pa, greater than 250 Pa, or greater than 300 Pa, such that the static pressure is greater than the total airflow resistance of the extraction system 100. For example, the fan assembly 106 can provide a static pressure of up to 50 Pa, in a range of 50 Pa to 100 Pa, in a range of 100 Pa to 400 Pa, in a range of 100 Pa to 300 Pa, in a range of 100 Pa to 200 Pa, in a range of 200 Pa to 300 Pa, or greater than 300 Pa.

[0053] In some embodiments, the fan assembly 106 provides an effective volumetric flow rate to flow the contaminated air through the extraction system 100. For example, the fan assembly 106 can provide a volumetric flow rate in a range of 0.1 cubic meters per minute (m 3 / min) to 0.75 m 3 / min, in a range of 0.15 m 3 / min to 0.6 m 3 / min, in a range of 0.2 m 3 / min to 0.5 m 3 / min, in a range of 0.25 m 3 / min to 0.4 m 3 / min, or in a range of 0.3 m 3 / min to 0.35 m 3volume flow rate in the range of 0.33 m 3 / min to 0.34 m 3 / min. In contemplated embodiments, the fan assembly 106 provides a volume flow rate greater than 0.25 m 3 / min, greater than 0.5 m 3 / min, greater than 0.75 m 3 / min, or greater than 1 m 3 / min. In further contemplated embodiments, the fan assembly 106 provides a volume flow rate less than 0.25 m 3 / min, less than 0.1 m 3 / min, or less than 0.05 m 3 / min, so long as the volume flow rate is sufficient to flow the contaminated air through the extraction system 100.

[0054] As Figures 1 to 3 depicted, the fan assembly 106 can include a fan 107 to provide the static pressure and volume flow rate as described above. In contemplated embodiments, the fan assembly 106 can include any combination of fans (such as axial fans and / or centrifugal fans) and / or compressors (such as positive displacement compressors and / or dynamic compressors) configured to provide a pressure differential to extract the contaminated air. For example, the fan assembly 106 can include any combination of a centrifugal fan, an axial fan, a blower fan, or any other suitable fan and / or compressor. In some embodiments, the system 100 can utilize one or more fan assemblies 106. For example, the system 100 can utilize multiple fan assemblies in parallel and / or in series with each other. In contemplated embodiments, a compressor assembly can be used instead of the fan assembly 106. In such embodiments, the compressor assembly can include one or more compressors configured to provide a pressure differential to extract the contaminated air.

[0055] In some embodiments, the static pressure and / or volume flow rate provided by the fan assembly 106 can depend at least in part on the volume of contaminated air configured to be extracted by the extraction system 100. For example, if the extraction system 100 is configured to extract a larger volume of contaminated air, the fan assembly 106 can provide a larger static pressure and / or volume flow rate suitable for extracting the larger volume of contaminated air.

[0056] In some embodiments, the extraction system 100 further includes a suction adapter 118 configured to facilitate fluidic coupling of the plenum 102 and / or the prefilter 104 with the fan assembly 106. In some embodiments, the suction adapter 118 can reduce or prevent air leakage between the plenum 102 and the fan assembly 106. The suction adapter 118 can be configured to provide an air-tight connection of the plenum 102 and the fan assembly 106. The suction adapter 118 can be coupled to the plenum 102 such that contaminated air can flow from the plenum to the fan assembly 106. In some embodiments, the suction adapter 118 can include one or more fasteners to facilitate fluidic coupling of the plenum 102 with the fan assembly 106. For example, the suction adapter 118 can include one or more snap fasteners or other suitable fasteners.

[0057] In some embodiments, any fluidic communication and / or coupling of the internal components of the extraction system 100 can be air-tight such that contaminated air does not leak from the extraction system 100. The extraction system 100 having one or more air-tight fluidic couplings can improve the efficiency of extraction of contaminated air and prevent or reduce leakage of contaminated air at joints or connection points in the extraction system 100. Alternatively or additionally, the extraction system 100 can prevent air leakage by sufficient static pressure and / or volumetric flow rate provided by the fan assembly 106.

[0058] In some embodiments, the extraction system 100 further includes a funnel 120 configured to expand a cross-sectional area of the flow of air to be equal to a cross-sectional area of the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 prior to inputting the flow of air into the multi-stage filter cartridge 108. In other words, the funnel 120 can be used to distribute contaminated air onto a surface of the multi-stage filter cartridge 108. The funnel 120 can be shaped to match a shape of the multi-stage filter cartridge 108. For example, a cross-sectional shape of the funnel 120 can be rectangular to match a rectangular shape of the multi-stage filter cartridge 108. Further, the funnel 120 can expand from a first cross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area that is equal to the cross-sectional area of the multi-stage filter cartridge 108. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the funnel 120 can increase linearly or non-linearly as the cross-sectional area moves towards the multi-stage filter cartridge 108.

[0059] In some embodiments, the funnel 120 can include a first side having a first cross-sectional shape and a second side having a second cross-sectional shape. Further, the first side can have a first cross-sectional shape configured to facilitate one or more connections of the funnel 120 with one or more components of the extraction system 100; the second side can have a second cross-sectional shape configured to match a cross-sectional shape of the multi-stage filter cartridge 108. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the funnel 120 can transition linearly or non-linearly between the first cross-sectional shape and the second cross-sectional shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the funnel 120 transitions from a circular cross-sectional shape to a rectangular cross-sectional area. Figure 1

[0060] In some embodiments, the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can have a cross-sectional area in a range of 25 cm 2 to 250 cm 2 , in a range of 50 cm 2 to 200 cm 2 , in a range of 75 cm 2 to 150 cm 2 , or in a range of 100 cm 2 to 125 cm 2 , and a thickness up to 200 mm, in a range of 25 mm to 150 mm, in a range of 50 mm to 100 mm, or in a range of 65 mm to 85 mm. For example, the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can have a cross-sectional area of 110.25 cm 2 and a height of 79 mm. In some embodiments, the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can have a width in a range of 25 mm to 300 mm, in a range of 50 mm to 250 mm, in a range of 75 mm to 200 mm, or in a range of 100 mm to 150 mm, a height in a range of 25 mm to 300 mm, in a range of 50 mm to 250 mm, in a range of 75 mm to 200 mm, or in a range of 100 mm to 150 mm, and a thickness in a range of 25 mm to 150 mm, in a range of 50 mm to 100 mm, or in a range of 65 mm to 85 mm. For example, the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can have a width of 105 mm, a height of 105 mm, and a thickness of 79 mm.

[0061] ​In contemplated embodiments, the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can have any width, height, thickness, and / or cross-sectional area suitable for filtering contaminated air. In some embodiments, the width, height, thickness, and / or cross-sectional area of the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can depend at least in part on the volume of contaminated air configured to be extracted using the extraction system 100. For example, if the extraction system 100 is configured to extract a larger volume of contaminated air, the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can have a larger width, height, thickness, and / or cross-sectional area suitable for filtering the larger volume of contaminated air.

[0062] In some embodiments, the extraction system 100 can further include one or more conduits 122 configured to fluidly couple the fan assembly 106 to the funnel 120. In some embodiments, the one or more conduits 122 can be used to fluidly couple one or more components of the extraction system 100 described herein. For example, the one or more conduits can be used to connect the plenum 102 to the fan assembly 106. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the one or more conduits 122 can be smooth to facilitate the flow of contaminated air through the one or more conduits 122 and to prevent or reduce the accumulation of emissions (e.g., particulate matter) within the one or more conduits 122 and / or the extraction system 100.

[0063] In some embodiments, the one or more conduits 122 can be coupled together using one or more elbow fittings. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more conduits 122 can include a flexible material such that the one or more conduits 122 can be bent at one or more locations. In some embodiments, the one or more conduits 122 can be configured to prevent a Venturi effect, thereby preventing a change in velocity and preventing the creation of back pressure within the one or more conduits 122. In some embodiments, the dimensions (e.g., inner diameter) of the one or more conduits 122 can be configured to prevent or reduce a Venturi effect. The inner diameter of the one or more conduits 122 can be in a range of 5 mm to 50 mm, in a range of 10 mm to 40 mm, or in a range of 15 mm to 30 mm. For example, the one or more conduits 122 can have an inner diameter of 25 mm configured to prevent or reduce a Venturi effect. In contemplated embodiments, conduits of any size can be utilized.

[0064] The extraction system 100 can further include an exhaust adapter 124 configured to fluidly couple the fan assembly 106 to the one or more conduits 122. In some embodiments, the exhaust adapter 124 can reduce or prevent air leakage between the fan assembly 106 and the one or more conduits 122. Further, the exhaust adapter 124 can be configured to provide an air-tight connection between the fan assembly 106 and the one or more conduits 122. In some embodiments, a first side of the exhaust adapter 124 can have a first size and a first shape, and a second side of the exhaust adapter 124 can have a second size and a second shape. For example, as depicted, the shape of the first side of the exhaust adapter 124 can be rectangular, and the shape of the second side of the exhaust adapter 124 can be circular. Figure 2

[0065] In some embodiments, the extraction system 100 can further include a gasket 126 positioned between the funnel 120 and the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 to reduce or prevent air leakage between the funnel 120 and the multi-stage filter cartridge 108. Further, the gasket 126 can facilitate fluid coupling and / or air-tight connection between the funnel 120 and the multi-stage filter cartridge 108. In some embodiments, the gasket 126 can include a material configured to bend or deform to facilitate fluid coupling between the funnel 120 and the multi-stage filter cartridge 108, such as a foam material. For example, the gasket 126 can be made of neoprene foam. In contemplated embodiments, the gasket 126 can include any suitable material for facilitating air-tight connection between one or more components.

[0066] The extraction system 100 can include one or more brackets or fasteners for coupling the extraction system 100 to a laser printing system (e.g., the laser printing system 158 described below). In some embodiments, the extraction system 100 can include a bracket 128 and one or more fasteners 130, 132 for coupling the fan assembly 106 to a device and / or system (e.g., the laser printing system 158 described in greater detail below). The one or more fasteners 130 can be used to couple the bracket 128 to the fan assembly 106. Further, the one or more fasteners 130 can be configured to reduce or prevent vibration of the extraction system 100 from causing decoupling of one or more components of the extraction system 100. For example, the one or more fasteners 130 can be lock nuts configured to reduce or prevent vibration of the extraction system 100 from causing decoupling of one or more components of the extraction system 100.

[0067] ​Additionally, one or more fasteners 132 can be used to couple the extraction system 100 to a laser printing system, such as a laser printing system used to print on microscope slides. The fasteners 132 can be pre-assembled washers and screws (SEMS) that are configured to prevent the bracket 128 from loosening due to vibrations of the extraction system 100. As with the lock nuts, the SEMS can reduce or prevent vibrations of the fan assembly 106 from causing the one or more fasteners 132 to loosen. As with the lock nuts, the SEMS can reduce or prevent vibrations of the fan assembly 106 from causing the one or more fasteners 132 to loosen.

[0068] In some embodiments, the extraction system 100 can include one or more fasteners 134 used to couple the fan assembly 106 to the exhaust adapter 124. The one or more fasteners 134 can be used to couple the bracket 128 to the exhaust adapter 124 to facilitate coupling of the exhaust adapter 124 to the fan assembly 106. In some embodiments, the one or more fasteners 134 can be configured to reduce or prevent vibrations of the fan assembly 106 from causing the one or more fasteners 134 to loosen. For example, the one or more fasteners 134 can be SEMS.

[0069] Additionally, one or more fasteners 136 can be used to couple the one or more conduits 122 to one or more components of the extraction system 100 disclosed herein. For example, the one or more fasteners 136 can be used to couple the one or more conduits 122 to the exhaust adapter 124. In another example, the one or more fasteners 136 can be used to couple the one or more conduits 122 to the funnel 120. The one or more fasteners 136 can be used to facilitate fluidic coupling of the one or more conduits 122 to the exhaust adapter 124 and / or the funnel 120. In some embodiments, the one or more fasteners 136 can be configured to provide airtight coupling of the one or more conduits 122 to the exhaust adapter 124 and / or the funnel 120. In some embodiments, the one or more fasteners 136 can be clips. In contemplated embodiments, any suitable fastener can be used to facilitate coupling of one or more components of the extraction system 100 disclosed herein.

[0070] In some embodiments, the extraction system 100 can further include one or more elbow fittings configured to facilitate one or more connections of the one or more conduits 122. For example, the extraction system 100 can further include a plurality of elbow fittings to connect a plurality of conduits 122. In embodiments including a plurality of conduits 122, the extraction system 100 can further include a plurality of fasteners 136 (e.g., clips) configured to reduce or prevent air leakage at each connection.

[0071] Figure 3A cross-sectional top view is depicted of an exemplary extraction system 100 for extracting and filtering contaminated air according to some embodiments. For example... Figure 3 As shown, contaminated air 138 output from a laser printing process (e.g., a laser printing process for printing on a microscope slide) can be received by a gas collection chamber 102. In some embodiments, the gas collection chamber 102 may be positioned close to or mounted above one or more microscope slides receiving the laser printing process (hereinafter). Figure 4 (described in more detail below), such that contaminated air generated during the laser printing process is received by chamber 143 of the air collection chamber 102. The fan assembly 106 can provide a pressure differential, causing contaminated air 138 to flow from the marking or printing area of ​​the laser printing system into the air collection chamber 102 and through the pre-filter 104. In some embodiments, the shape of the air collection chamber 102 may include one or more inclined and / or curved surfaces to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the flowing air, thereby allowing the use of a larger filter (e.g., a filter with a larger cross-sectional area).

[0072] As previously described, fan assembly 106 can provide static pressure and / or volumetric flow rate to allow contaminated airflow 138 to pass through extraction system 100. Specifically, fan 107 of fan assembly 106 can provide static pressure that overcomes the airflow resistance of pre-filter 104 and multi-stage filter cartridge 108, allowing airflow through extraction system 100. Fan assembly 106 can be positioned downstream of pre-filter 104 such that contaminated air 138 passes through pre-filter 104 before passing through fan assembly 106. Allowing airflow containing contaminated air 138 to pass through pre-filter 104 produces pre-filtered airflow. In some embodiments, filtering contaminated air 138 before allowing airflow through fan assembly 106 protects one or more fans 107 in fan assembly 106 from particulate matter (e.g., large particles) that could damage one or more fans 107 and / or shorten the expected lifespan of fan assembly 106. In some embodiments, one or more fans 107 in the fan assembly 106 may not include mechanical components affected by particles flowing through the fan assembly 106. For example, one or more fans 107 may include bladeless fans utilizing the Coanda effect. In such embodiments, the pre-filter 104 may be omitted, such that the extraction system 100 does not include the pre-filter 104.

[0073] The fan assembly 106 may be positioned upstream of the multi-stage filter cartridge 108, such that contaminated air 138 and / or pre-filtered airflow pass through the fan assembly 106 and then through the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 to form a filtered airflow 140. In a contemplated embodiment, the fan assembly 106 may be positioned downstream of the multi-stage filter cartridge 108, which includes one or more filtration stages, as described herein.

[0074] The multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can include one or more filter stages configured to filter at least a portion of particulate matter and VOCs from the contaminated air 138 to form a filtered air stream 140. For example, the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can include a first filter stage (e.g., the first filter stage 110 and / or the second filter stage 112 described below) including one or more filters configured to filter at least a portion of particulate matter in the contaminated air 138, and a second filter stage (e.g., the third filter stage 114 described below) including one or more filters configured to filter at least a portion of VOCs in the contaminated air 138. In contemplated embodiments, the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can include only one filter stage configured to filter at least a portion of particulate matter and VOCs from the contaminated air 138.

[0075] The first filter stage 110 includes a filter to filter out at least a portion of particulate matter having a first size, such as particulate matter smaller than coarse particulate matter. The first filter stage 110 can be configured to filter particulate matter of 1 micrometer (pm) or greater in size. In some embodiments, the first filter stage 110 can filter at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, or at least 80% of particulate matter having a diameter of 1 pm or greater from the contaminated air. The first filter stage 110 can filter at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, or at least 80% of PM 2.5 from the contaminated air. Additionally, the first filter stage 110 can filter at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or at least 99.9% of PM 10 from the contaminated air. For example, the first filter stage 110 can be configured to filter 60% to 70% of PM 2.5 and at least 90% of PM 10 from the contaminated air.

[0076] The second filtration stage 112 includes a filter to filter out at least a portion of particulate matter having a second size, such as particulate matter smaller than particulate matter having a first size. The second filtration stage 112 can be configured to filter particulate matter having a size of 0.1 pm or greater. In some embodiments, the second filtration stage 112 can filter at least 75%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, at least 99.9%, at least 99.99%, or at least 99.999% of particulate matter having a diameter of 0.1 pm or greater from contaminated air. In some embodiments, the second filtration stage 112 can filter at least 75%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, at least 99.9%, at least 99.99%, or at least 99.999% of particulate matter having a diameter in a range of 0.1 pm to 0.2 pm from contaminated air. For example, the second filtration stage 112 can filter at least 99% of particulate matter having a diameter in a range of 0.1 pm to 0.2 pm from contaminated air.

[0077] The third filtration stage 114 includes a filter to filter out at least a portion of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from contaminated air. The third filtration stage 114 can be configured to filter volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The third filtration stage 114 can be configured to filter any combination of VOCs, airborne molecular contaminants (AMCs), particulate matter, ozone, or odors. In some embodiments, the third filtration stage 114 can filter at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, or at least 75% of VOCs from contaminated air. Additionally, the third filtration stage 114 can filter at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, or at least 75% of VOCs, airborne molecular contaminants (AMCs), particulate matter, ozone, and / or odors from contaminated air. In some embodiments, the third filtration stage 114 can include activated carbon material configured to absorb VOCs.

[0078] The ordering of the filtration stages (e.g., filtration stages 110, 112, 114) can be configured to extend the life of the multi-stage filter cartridge 108. For example, the first filtration stage 110 can be positioned upstream of the second filtration stage 112 and / or the third filtration stage 114 and filter particles of a first size (e.g., 1 pm or greater) that would otherwise quickly saturate the second filtration stage 112 and / or the third filtration stage 114. Further, the second filtration stage 112 can be positioned upstream of the third filtration stage 114 and filter particles of a second size (e.g., 0.1 pm or greater) that would otherwise quickly saturate the third filtration stage 114. In some embodiments, the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can become saturated after filtering contaminated air from 12,000 sequentially marked microscope slides that have been marked by a laser printing process. In contrast, filters used in previous techniques for extracting and filtering air become saturated after filtering contaminated air from 2,000 to 3,000 sequentially marked microscope slides that have been marked by a laser printing process. The extraction system described herein can improve the life of the filters as compared to previous techniques for extracting and filtering contaminated air.

[0079] In contemplated embodiments, the second filtration stage 112 is optionally included in the multi-stage filter cartridge 108. In such embodiments, the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can include the first filtration stage 110 configured to filter at least a portion of particulate matter from the contaminated air and the third filtration stage 114 configured to filter at least a portion of VOCs from the contaminated air. Further, the ordering of the filtration stages can extend the life of the multi-stage filter cartridge 108. For example, the first filtration stage 110 can be positioned upstream of the third filtration stage 114 and prevent particulate matter from saturating the third filtration stage 114 to increase the life of the third filtration stage 114 and the multi-stage filter cartridge 108.

[0080] In contemplated embodiments, the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can include multiple filtration stages, such as more than three stages. For example, the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can include three or more filters and / or filtration stages. In some embodiments, the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can include one or more filtration stages and a housing 116 for coupling the one or more filtration stages. For example, the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can include one to seven filtration stages and a housing 116 for coupling the filtration stages together. Alternatively, the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can be a single filter configured to filter particulate matter and VOCs from the contaminated air.

[0081] In some embodiments, one or more filter stages (e.g., the first filter stage 110, the second filter stage 112, and / or the third filter stage 114) of the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can be housed separately. Accordingly, one or more filters of one or more filter stages (e.g., the first filter stage 110, the second filter stage 112, and / or the third filter stage 114) can be disposed at different locations in the extraction system 100 and in fluid communication with one another. Each of the first filter stage 110, the second filter stage 112, and / or the third filter stage 114 can be disposed upstream or downstream of the fan assembly 106. For example, the first filter stage 110 can be disposed upstream of the fan assembly 106 such that the contaminated air flows through the first filter stage 110 before flowing through the fan assembly 106. In some embodiments, the fan assembly 106 can be disposed downstream of any combination of filters in the extraction system 100. For example, the fan assembly can be disposed downstream of any combination of the pre-filter 104, the multi-stage filter cartridge 108, the first filter stage 110, the second filter stage 112, or the third filter stage 114. In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more filters can be disposed downstream of the funnel 120 such that the funnel 120 receives the air flow and expands the cross-sectional area of the air flow before inputting the air flow to the at least one of the one or more filters. For example, the filter of the third filter stage 114 can be disposed downstream of the funnel 120.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first filter stage 110, the second filter stage 112, and / or the third filter stage 114 can have a cross-sectional area in a range of 25 cm 2 to 250 cm 2 , in a range of 50 cm 2 to 200 cm 2 , in a range of 75 cm 2 to 150 cm 2 , or in a range of 100 cm 2 to 125 cm 2 and a thickness of up to 200 mm, in a range of 25 mm to 150 mm, in a range of 50 mm to 100 mm, or in a range of 65 mm to 85 mm. For example, the first filter stage 110, the second filter stage 112, and the third filter stage 114 can each have a cross-sectional area of 110.25 cm 2 and a thickness of 25 mm. As used herein, depth refers to the dimension through which air flows through a filter. For example, as depicted, the depth of the pre-filter 104 refers to the dimension through which air flows through the pre-filter 104, as indicated by the arrow through the pre-filter 104. Further, for example, as depicted, the depth of the first filter stage 110 refers to the dimension through which air flows through the first filter stage 110, as indicated by the arrow through the first filter stage 110. Figure 3 Figure 3 ​As depicted, the depth of the multi-stage filter cartridge 108, the first filter stage 110, the second filter stage 112, and / or the third filter stage 114 refers to the dimension of the air flow through the multi-stage filter cartridge 108, as indicated by the arrows through the multi-stage filter cartridge 108.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first filter stage 110, the second filter stage 112, and / or the third filter stage 114 can have a width in a range of 25 mm to 300 mm, in a range of 50 mm to 250 mm, in a range of 75 mm to 200 mm, or in a range of 100 mm to 150 mm, a height in a range of 25 mm to 300 mm, in a range of 50 mm to 250 mm, in a range of 75 mm to 200 mm, or in a range of 100 mm to 150 mm, and a thickness in a range of 8 mm to 50 mm, in a range of 15 mm to 35 mm, or in a range of 20 mm to 30 mm. For example, the first filter stage 110, the second filter stage 112, and the third filter stage 114 can each have a width of 105 mm, a height of 105 mm, and a thickness of 25 mm. In contemplated embodiments, the first filter stage 110, the second filter stage 112, and / or the third filter stage 114 can have different dimensions. For example, the first filter stage 110 can have a thickness of 20 mm, the second filter stage 112 can have a thickness of 25 mm, and the third filter stage 114 can have a thickness of 30 mm.

[0084] In some embodiments, one or more stages of the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 (e.g., the first filter stage 110, the second filter stage 112, and / or the third filter stage 114) can include a honeycomb shape, a pleated structure, and / or a corrugated structure configured to facilitate filtration of emissions, such as particulate matter and / or VOCs. For example, the first filter stage 110 and the second filter stage 112 can include a pleated structure and / or a corrugated structure configured to facilitate filtration of particulate matter, and the third filter stage 114 can include a honeycomb shape that facilitates absorption of VOCs.

[0085] Contaminated air 138 can be generated within the plenum 102 as a result of a laser printing process occurring within the chamber 143 of the plenum 102. Alternatively, the fan assembly 106 can provide a static pressure and / or volumetric flow rate to the extraction system 100 such that the contaminated air 138 is received by the chamber 143 of the plenum 102. The contaminated air 138 can then flow from the plenum 102 through the prefilter 104, as described above, to form a pre-filtered air stream having less emissions than the air stream input to the prefilter 104. In some embodiments, the contaminated air 138 and / or the pre-filtered air stream can then flow through the suction adapter 118, which is configured to fluidly couple the plenum 102 and / or the prefilter 104 to the fan assembly 106 such that the contaminated air stream 138 flows to the fan assembly 106. As described above, the fan assembly 106 can provide a static pressure and / or volumetric flow rate sufficient to draw the contaminated air 138 into the plenum 102 and flow the contaminated air 138 through the extraction system 100.

[0086] The contaminated air 138 can flow from the fan assembly 106 through the exhaust adapter 124, which is configured to fluidly couple the fan assembly 106 with the one or more conduits 122 such that the contaminated air 138 flows to the one or more conduits 122. The one or more conduits 122 can transport the contaminated air 138 to the funnel 120, which is configured to expand the cross-sectional area of the air stream prior to inputting the air stream to the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 to match the cross-sectional area of the multi-stage filter cartridge 108. In some embodiments, the contaminated air 138 can flow through the first filter stage 110, the second filter stage 112, and the third filter stage 114 of the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 to form filtered air 140 from the contaminated air 138.

[0087] In some embodiments, the extraction system 100 can be configured to remove at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% of the emissions (e.g., particulate matter) from the contaminated air. In some embodiments, the extraction system 100 can be configured to reduce the concentration of emissions and / or particulate matter in the air to 30 micrograms per cubic meter (pg / m3) or less, to 20 pg / m3or less, to 10 pg / m3or less, 7.5 pg / m3or less, 5 pg / m3or less, 2.5 pg / m3or less, or 2 pg / m3or less. For example, the extraction system 100 can reduce the concentration of PM2.5to 10 pg / m3or less, 7.5 pg / m3or less, 5 pg / m3or less, 2.5 pg / m3or less, or 2 pg / m3or less. 3 ) or less, to 20 pg / m 3 or less, to 10 pg / m 3 or less, 7.5 pg / m 3 or less, 5 pg / m 3 or less, 2.5 pg / m 3 or less, or 2 pg / m 3 or less. For example, the extraction system 100 can reduce the concentration of PM2.5to 10 pg / m 3 or less, 7.5 pg / m3 or lower, 5 pg / m 3 or lower, 2.5 pg / m 3 or lower, or 2 pg / m 3 or lower.

[0088] In some embodiments, the extraction system 100 can be configured to reduce emissions (e.g., particulate matter and / or VOCs) in contaminated air by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99%. For example, the extraction system 100 can reduce the concentration of particulate matter in contaminated air from 300 grams per cubic meter (g / m 3 ) to 4 g / m 3 . In another example, the extraction system 100 can reduce the concentration of PM 2.5 in contaminated air resulting from continuous laser printing on 144 microscope slides from 200 g / m 3 to 4.5 g / m 3 . In contrast, previous techniques for filtering air reduce the concentration of PM 2.5 in contaminated air resulting from continuous laser printing on 144 microscope slides from 200 g / m 3 to 30 g / m 3 . In yet another example, the extraction system 100 can reduce the concentration of PM 2.5 in contaminated air resulting from laser printing on 50 microscope slides for one hour from about 64 g / m 3 to 2 g / m 3 . In contrast, previous techniques for filtering air reduce the concentration of PM 2.5 in contaminated air resulting from laser printing on 50 microscope slides for one hour from about 64 g / m 3 to 10 g / m 3 . The extraction systems described herein improve the efficiency of filtering emissions output from laser printing systems. In some embodiments, the extraction systems described herein reduce particulate matter emitted into the environment ten-fold compared to previous techniques.

[0089] In contemplated embodiments, the extraction system 100 and / or the fan assembly 106 can further include one or more sensors (not shown) configured to sense at least one of a pollution concentration, an airflow velocity, a pressure, or other suitable parameter of the extraction system 100. For example, the extraction system 100 can include a sensor configured to sense a pollution concentration in the air within the plenum 102 such that the extraction system 100 is powered upon detection of a threshold pollution concentration. In another example, the extraction system 100 and / or the fan assembly 106 can include a feedback sensor configured to only power the fan assembly 106 during a laser printing process such that the extraction system 100 only extracts emissions produced by the laser printing process, thereby extending the life of the fan assembly 106, the pre-filter 104, and the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 of the extraction system 100. Alternatively or additionally, the extraction system 100 can include a sensor configured to sense a laser of a laser printing process such that the fan assembly 106 is only powered during the laser printing process. Further, the fan assembly 106 can be configured to remain on for a specified period of time after the fan assembly 106 is powered on such that the fan assembly 106 is turned off after the period of time to extend the life of the fan assembly 106, the pre-filter 104, and the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 of the extraction system 100.

[0090] Figure 4 An isometric view of the plenum 102 is depicted in accordance with some embodiments. The plenum 102 can include an opening 142, a chamber 143, one or more members 144, one or more extension surfaces 146, one or more support frames 148, and one or more openings 150. As described above, the plenum 102 can be positioned proximate to a marking or printing area of a laser printing system such that the plenum 102 receives emissions output from the laser printing system. Further, the plenum 102 can be positioned proximate to, around, or otherwise house an emission source (e.g., a particulate matter source). In some embodiments, the plenum 102 can be positioned proximate to or around one or more microscope slides 152 during a laser printing process in which emissions are produced via a laser 154. Further, a bottom of the plenum 102 can be configured to surround an emission source with little to no gap between the emission source and a wall of the plenum 102 to reduce a volume of contaminated air produced by the emission source. In contemplated embodiments, the plenum 102 can be positioned proximate to a microscope slide 152 configured to accept a portion of a laser printing process.

[0091] The opening 142 of the plenum 102 can be configured to allow a laser printing process, such as a laser printing process for printing on microscope slides, to occur within or proximate to the plenum 102. Further, the opening 142 of the plenum 102 can be configured to allow one or more lasers 154 of a laser printing system (e.g., the laser printing system 158 described below) to mark one or more microscope slides 152 proximate to or within the chamber 143 of the plenum 102, such that the chamber 143 of the plenum 102 receives emissions, such as particulate matter and / or VOCs, generated from the laser printing process. The opening 142 can receive one or more lasers 154 therethrough from the laser printing system, such that the laser printing process can occur within or proximate to the bottom opening of the plenum 102 and / or the chamber 143.

[0092] The chamber 143 of the plenum 102 can be positioned proximate to or around a printing or marking area of a laser printing system to accept a laser printing process. In particular, a lower portion of the chamber 143 (e.g., a lower half of the chamber 143) can be positioned proximate to or around one or more microscope slides 152 that accept a laser printing process, such that the chamber 143 receives emissions output from the laser printing system. One or more extended surfaces 146 can enlarge a cross-sectional area of the chamber 143, such that a cross-sectional area of an air flow through the chamber 143 of the plenum 102 is increased when the air flow flows to the pre-filter 104 and / or the fan assembly 106. Increasing the cross-sectional area of the air flow allows for a larger (e.g., a larger cross-sectional area) pre-filter to be utilized. The lower half of the plenum 102 and / or the chamber 143 can be configured to receive emissions output from a printing or marking area that accepts a laser printing process, such that a volume of contaminated air can be reduced. The upper half of the plenum 102 and / or the chamber 143 can be maximized according to available clearance space within a laser printing system (e.g., the laser printing system 158 described below) to maximize a cross-sectional area of the pre-filter 104.

[0093] One or more members 144 of the plenum 102 can be configured to couple the pre-filter 104 to the plenum 102. As Figure 4As depicted, the plenum 102 can include one or more members 144 that define a receiving area 145 configured to receive the prefilter 104. For example, the prefilter 104 can be at least partially disposed within the receiving area 145 defined by the one or more members 144 such that the prefilter 104 is removably coupled to the plenum 102. In some embodiments, the one or more members 144 can be configured to support the prefilter 104 such that the contaminated air 138 flows directly from the plenum 102 through the prefilter 104. The one or more members can provide structural support for the prefilter 104 such that the prefilter 104 does not bend or fold when air is caused to flow through the prefilter 104. In some embodiments, the prefilter 104 can be a standalone filter cartridge that is coupled to the plenum 102 or to the suction adapter 118 and / or the fan assembly 106. In such embodiments, the plenum 102 can omit the one or more members 144 and can include one or more fasteners to couple the prefilter 104 and the plenum 102.

[0094] In some embodiments, a portion of the plenum 102 proximal to the prefilter 104 (e.g., a top portion of the plenum 102) can be larger (e.g., have a larger cross-sectional area) than a portion of the plenum 102 distal to the prefilter 104 (e.g., a bottom portion of the plenum 102). The plenum 102 can include one or more extension surfaces 146 configured to expand the cross-sectional area of the plenum 102. In some embodiments, the one or more extension surfaces 146 can include one or more sloped surfaces, one or more curved surfaces, and / or one or more L-shaped structures that expand the cross-sectional area of the plenum 102. For example, as seen in FIG. 1, the one or more extension surfaces 146 include one or more sloped surfaces that expand the cross-sectional area of the plenum 102 and allow for the use of a filter having a larger cross-sectional area. Figures 1 to 4 As seen in FIG. 1, the one or more extension surfaces 146 include one or more sloped surfaces that expand the cross-sectional area of the plenum 102 and allow for the use of a filter having a larger cross-sectional area. Further, the one or more extension surfaces 146 can expand the cross-sectional area of the flow air such that the flow air can interact with a filter (e.g., the prefilter 104) having a larger cross-sectional area. Similar to the funnel 120, the one or more extension surfaces 146 of the plenum 102 can increase the cross-sectional area of the flow air flowing through the plenum 102 such that the cross-sectional area of the flow air matches the cross-sectional area of the prefilter 104.

[0095] In some embodiments, the volume of the plenum 102 and / or the chamber 143 depends at least in part on the volume of contaminated air configured to be extracted by the extraction system 100. For example, if the extraction system 100 is configured to extract a larger volume of contaminated air, the plenum 102 and / or the chamber 143 can have a larger volume to accommodate the larger volume of contaminated air. Additionally or alternatively, the volume of the plenum 102 and / or the chamber 143 can depend at least in part on the size of an emission source, such as a printing or marking area that receives a laser printing process.

[0096] In some embodiments, the plenum 102 includes one or more support frames 148 configured to couple the plenum 102 to a laser printing system, such as a laser printing system for printing on microscope slides. For example, the one or more support frames 148 can couple the plenum 102 to the laser printing system 158 described below. In some embodiments, the one or more support frames 148 can be configured to couple to one or more rails of a laser printing system (e.g., the laser printing system 158 described below) such that the plenum 102 can be translated along the rails to any position. The one or more support frames 148 can include ball spring plungers configured to quickly remove the plenum 102 from the one or more rails. In some embodiments, the plenum 102 can be constrained within 5 degrees of freedom such that the only allowed movement of the plenum 102 is removal from the one or more rails. Figure 5

[0097] In some embodiments, the plenum 102 can further include one or more openings 150 configured to allow one or more sensors (e.g., one or more sensors of a laser printing process or one or more sensors of the extraction system 100) to collect data while utilizing the extraction system 100 and / or the plenum 102. For example, the plenum 102 can include an opening 150 that allows one or more sensors to collect data from the interior of the chamber 143 of the plenum 102.

[0098] ​In some embodiments, the laser 154 of the laser printing system and / or process can be used to mark and / or etch a surface layer (e.g., an ink label) on the one or more microscope slides 152 or the surface of the one or more microscope slides 152. The laser 154 can be used to create a mark 156 on the one or more microscope slides 152. Creating the mark 156 on the one or more microscope slides 152 can generate emissions (e.g., particulate matter) as described herein. In contemplated embodiments, the mark 156 can be created directly on the one or more microscope slides 152. Alternatively or additionally, the mark 156 can be created on a label, ink layer, or similar layer on the one or more microscope slides 152. The portion of the one or more microscope slides 152 that receives the laser printing process can be a source of emissions as described herein. Example embodiments of laser printing systems and methods are described below. Figure 5

[0099] Figure 5 An example laser printing system 158 and extraction system 100 are depicted. In some embodiments, the laser printing system 158 includes the extraction system 100. Alternatively or additionally, the extraction system 100 can be separate from or removably couplable to the laser printing system 158. In some embodiments, the extraction system 100 can be installed in the laser printing system 158. In some embodiments, the laser printing system or process described herein can be similar to the laser printing system or process found in commonly owned U.S. Application Serial No. 18 / 543,535 (entitled “Marking Techniques Using Laser Markable Inks”) or commonly owned PCT Application Serial No. PCT / IT2023 / 000038 (entitled “Reverse Marking of Microscope Slides”), the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, the extraction system 100 can be coupled to the laser printing system 158 via the bracket 128 and one or more fasteners 132, as described above.

[0100] ​In some embodiments, the laser printing system 158 includes one or more rails 160 configured to operate the drawer 162. The one or more rails 160 can be configured to transition the drawer 162 between the open position and the closed position. In some embodiments, the plenum 102 can be coupled to the drawer 162 such that the plenum 102 moves with the drawer 162 as the drawer 162 moves along the one or more rails 160. Alternatively or additionally, the plenum 102 can be coupled to the one or more rails 160 via the one or more support brackets 148 such that the plenum 102 can move along the one or more rails 160. In some embodiments, the plenum 102 can be coupled to the one or more rails 160 using the one or more support brackets 148 such that the plenum 102 can be constrained within 5 degrees of freedom relative to the one or more rails 160, as described above. For example, the plenum 102 can be constrained such that the plenum 102 can only move in one direction, thereby decoupling the plenum 102 from the one or more rails 160.

[0101] The plenum 102 can be decoupled from the suction adapter 118 and / or the fan assembly 106 when the drawer 162 is in the open position and can be coupled to the suction adapter 118 and / or the fan assembly 106 when the drawer 162 is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the plenum 102 can be coupled to the suction adapter 118 and / or the fan assembly 106 using one or more snap fasteners or other suitable fasteners. Alternatively, the plenum 102 can be moved into proximity with the suction adapter 118 and / or the fan assembly 106 such that contaminated air flows from the plenum 102 to the fan assembly 106 without the plenum 102 being coupled to the suction adapter 118 and / or the fan assembly 106.

[0102] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the extraction system 100 can be fixed within the laser printing system 158. For example, at least a portion of the fan assembly 106, the one or more conduits 122, the hopper 120, and / or the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can be fixed within the laser printing system 158. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the extraction system 100 can be movable within the laser printing system 158. For example, as described above, the plenum 102 can be movable within the laser printing system 158. Further, for example, at least a portion of the pre-filter 104 and / or the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can be movable within the laser printing system 158 such that the pre-filter 104 and / or the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can be replaced.

[0103] In contemplated embodiments, the pre-filter 104 and / or the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can be removed, cleaned, and returned to the extraction system 100. Further, the pre-filter 104 and / or the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can be removably coupleable to the laser printing system 158 such that the pre-filter 104 and / or the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can be easily disassembled, cleaned, and / or replaced. For example, the pre-filter 104 can be removably coupleable within a drawer 162 of the laser printing system 158 such that the pre-filter 104 can be easily accessed when the drawer 162 is opened. In another example, the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can be removably coupleable to an outer surface of the laser printing system 158 such that the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 can be easily accessed for removal and cleaning and / or replacement of the multi-stage filter cartridge 108.

[0104] In some embodiments, the laser printing system 158 can be configured for histopathology purposes, such as marking one or more microscope slides 152. The laser printing system 158 can further include one or more carriers 164 configured to house one or more microscope slides 152. In some embodiments, the one or more carriers 164 can deliver the microscope slides 152 into the laser printing system 158 for individual marking of each microscope slide 152. For example, the one or more carriers 164 can deliver the one or more microscope slides 152 to a marking or printing area such that the microscope slides 152 can be marked using the laser printing system 158.

[0105] While microscope slides are used as exemplary embodiments, embodiments utilizing any of the microscope slides, cassettes, or any other sample holder are contemplated. The laser printing system 158 can be configured to mark any combination of sample holders as described above. The one or more carriers 164 can be configured to house any sample holder as described above. For example, the laser printing system 158 can include a first carrier configured to house a plurality of microscope slides and a second carrier for housing a plurality of cassettes. Further, the laser printing system 158 can utilize the first carrier and the second carrier to mark both the microscope slides and the cassettes.

[0106] In some embodiments, the laser printing system 158 includes a display 166. Further, the display 166 can function as a user interface configured to allow a user to control the laser printing system 158. For example, the display 166 can be a touch screen configured to respond to a user’s touch, such as a user’s finger touch. Alternatively or additionally, the laser printing system 158 can include a separate display 166 and user interface, such that one or more actions can be controlled via one or more buttons, switches, dials, or other suitable controls. In some embodiments, the laser printing system 158 can include a power button 168 configured to turn on / off a power supply of the laser printing system 158, and a display 166 with a touch screen that allows a user to control the laser printing system 158 therefrom.

[0107] In some embodiments, after one or more microscope slides 152 have been marked by the laser printing system 158, the marked slides can be ejected from the laser printing system 158 into one or more racks 170. The one or more racks 170 can hold a plurality of microscope slides 152 that have received markings from the laser printing system 158. In contemplated embodiments, the one or more racks 170 can be configured to hold any combination of microscope slides, cassettes, or other suitable sample holders.

[0108] Figure 6 An exemplary method 600 of extracting and filtering contaminated air using a system for extracting and filtering contaminated air as described herein is depicted. At step 602, contaminated air can be extracted using an extraction system, such as the extraction system 100 described above. More specifically, a fan assembly (e.g., the fan assembly 106) can extract the contaminated air. In some embodiments, the fan assembly can be configured to provide a static pressure and / or a volumetric flow rate sufficient to cause the contaminated air to flow through the extraction system. For example, the fan assembly can provide a static pressure in a range of 100 Pa to 400 Pa, such that the contaminated air flows through the extraction system.

[0109] In some embodiments, as described above, the extraction system 100 and / or the fan assembly 106 can include one or more sensors such that the fan assembly 106 extracts contaminated air in response to any of the extraction system 100 turning on, reaching an emission threshold concentration, or sensing a laser in a laser marking process. For example, the fan assembly 106 can include a feedback sensor configured to power on the fan assembly 106 (i.e., provide a pressure differential to the extraction system 100) in response to a laser printing system powering on such that the extraction system 100 extracts only emissions generated by a laser printing process, thereby extending the life of the fan assembly 106, the pre-filter 104, and the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 of the extraction system 100. In another example, the fan assembly 106 can extract contaminated air in response to marking one or more microscope slides 152.

[0110] Step 602 can include receiving, via the plenum 102 of the extraction system 100, emissions output from a laser printing process (e.g., a laser printing process for marking a microscope slide), as described herein. The fan assembly 106 can provide a static pressure and / or a volumetric flow rate to draw the emissions output from the laser printing process into the chamber 143 of the plenum 102 such that the plenum 102 receives the outputted emissions.

[0111] In some embodiments, step 602 can include containing contaminated air containing emissions within the plenum 102 of the extraction system 100. The fan assembly 106 can provide a static pressure and / or a volumetric flow rate that reduces or prevents the contaminated air from escaping the plenum 102. For example, the fan assembly 106 can provide a static pressure such that the contaminated air is confined within the plenum prior to the contaminated air flowing through one or more filters (e.g., the pre-filter 104 and / or the multi-stage filter cartridge 108).

[0112] At step 604, the contaminated air can be filtered using a pre-filter (e.g., the pre-filter 104). Flowing the contaminated air using the pre-filter can filter at least a portion of particulate matter having a large size (e.g., a diameter of 10 pm or greater), as described above. In contemplated embodiments, step 604 can be optional. For example, step 604 can be omitted such that the contaminated air is filtered without using a pre-filter.

[0113] At step 606, the contaminated air can be filtered using a multi-stage filter cartridge, such as the multi-stage filter cartridge 108 described above. The multi-stage filter cartridge can include one or more filter stages (e.g., the first filter stage 110, the second filter stage 112, and / or the third filter stage 114). In some embodiments, the multi-stage filter cartridge can further include additional filter stages. For example, the multi-stage filter cartridge can include three or more, four or more, five or more, or six or more filter stages. At step 606, the contaminated air is flowed through the multi-stage filter cartridge, filtering at least a portion of the particulate matter and at least a portion of the VOCs to form a filtered air stream. Further, at least a portion of the particulate matter having a first size (e.g., a diameter of 1 pm or greater) that is less than a large size, at least a portion of the particulate matter having a second size (e.g., a diameter of 0.1 pm or greater) that is less than the first size, and / or at least a portion of the VOCs can be removed from the contaminated air to form the filtered air.

[0114] At step 608, the filtered air is exhausted from the extraction system, such as the extraction system 100. The filtered air can be exhausted from the multi-stage filter cartridge and into the environment. More specifically, the filtered air can be exhausted after the contaminated air is filtered through each filter stage of the multi-stage filter cartridge.

[0115] In contemplated embodiments, the method 600 further includes housing the source of contaminated air within the plenum 102. The source of contaminated air can be housed prior to the extraction of the contaminated air at step 602. For example, the plenum 102 can be located within the laser printing system 158 such that the plenum 102 houses the source of contaminated air (e.g., a print or marking area of the laser printing system).

[0116] In contemplated embodiments, the method 600 further includes marking one or more microscope slides via a laser printing process. In some embodiments, marking the one or more microscope slides (e.g., the one or more microscope slides 152) can generate emissions, such as particulate matter and VOCs. Further, a point of contact of a laser (e.g., the laser 154) from the laser printing process with a surface of the microscope slide can be the source of contaminated air.

[0117] While the disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, it is noted that elements can be employed in other embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

[0118] Having thus described various embodiments of the disclosure, what is now claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includes the following:

Claims

1. A system for installation in a laser printing system and for extracting and filtering contaminated air output during a laser printing process for marking microscope slides, the system comprising: a plenum comprising a chamber for receiving the contaminated air output from the laser printing system; a pre-filter in fluid communication with the plenum, wherein the pre-filter receives an air stream therethrough, the air stream comprising the contaminated air contained in the plenum, wherein the flow of the air stream through the pre-filter filters out particulate matter having a large size to produce a pre-filtered air stream; one or more filters in fluid communication with the pre-filter, wherein the one or more filters receive the pre-filtered air stream from the pre-filter, wherein the one or more filters comprise: a first filter to filter at least a portion of the particulate matter having a first size, wherein the first size of the particulate matter is smaller than the large size of the particulate matter filtered by the pre-filter; and a second filter to filter at least a portion of volatile organic compounds; and a fan assembly comprising at least a fan for providing a pressure differential to the system to cause the flow of the air stream from the plenum, through the pre-filter, through the fan assembly, and through the one or more filters.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plenum comprises one or more members defining a containment area, wherein the pre-filter is disposed at least partially within the containment area.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the plenum further comprises one or more support frames removably coupleable to the laser printing system.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the fan assembly is disposed downstream of the pre-filter and upstream of the one or more filters, wherein the one or more filters further comprise a third filter to filter at least a portion of the particulate matter having a second size, wherein the second size of the particulate matter is smaller than the first size of the particulate matter filtered by the first filter, wherein the third filter is disposed downstream of the first filter and upstream of the second filter.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a multi-stage filter cartridge comprising the one or more filters; and a funnel in fluid communication with the pre-filter and the multi-stage filter cartridge, wherein the funnel receives the pre-filtered air stream therethrough, wherein the multi-stage filter cartridge receives the pre-filtered air stream from the funnel, ​ wherein the multi-stage filter cartridge is in fluid downstream communication with the funnel such that the pre-filtered air stream output from the funnel is input to the multi-stage filter cartridge to expand a cross-sectional area of the pre-filtered air stream prior to inputting the pre-filtered air stream to the multi-stage filter cartridge.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the plenum further comprises an opening for receiving a laser of the laser printing system, wherein the laser extends through the chamber of the plenum and toward a print area of the laser printing system.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the plenum further comprises: a first cross-sectional area; a second cross-sectional area, the second cross-sectional area being greater than the first cross-sectional area; and one or more extended surfaces that transition the first cross-sectional area of the plenum to the second cross-sectional area of the plenum.

8. A system for installation in a laser printing system and for extracting and filtering contaminated air output during a laser printing process for marking microscope slides, the system comprising: a plenum, the plenum comprising a chamber for receiving the contaminated air output from the laser printing system; one or more filters in fluid communication with the plenum, wherein the one or more filters receive an air stream therethrough, the air stream comprising the contaminated air contained in the plenum, wherein the one or more filters filter at least a portion of particulate matter and at least a portion of volatile organic compounds; and a fan assembly for providing a pressure differential to the system to cause the air stream to flow from the plenum and through the one or more filters.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the fan assembly comprises a bladeless fan.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the plenum comprises an opening for receiving a laser from the laser printing system such that the laser extends through the chamber of the plenum and marks one or more microscope slides in a marking area of the laser printing system.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more filters comprise a first filter for filtering at least a portion of the particulate matter having a first size, wherein the one or more filters further comprise a second filter for filtering at least a portion of the particulate matter having a second size, wherein the second size of the particulate matter is smaller than the first size of the particulate matter filtered by the first filter, wherein the one or more filters further comprise a third filter for filtering at least a portion of the volatile organic compounds, wherein the third filter is disposed downstream of the first filter and the second filter.

12. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a multi-stage filter cartridge, the multi-stage filter cartridge comprising the one or more filters, wherein the fan assembly is disposed downstream of the plenum and upstream of the multi-stage filter cartridge.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a suction adapter fluidly coupling the plenum to the fan assembly.

14. The system of claim 8, further comprising: a funnel disposed upstream of at least one of the one or more filters, wherein the funnel receives the air stream and expands a cross-sectional area of the air stream before inputting the air stream to at least one of the one or more filters.

15. A method for extracting and filtering emissions from a laser printing process for marking microscope slides via an extraction system, the method comprising: receiving emissions output from the laser printing process through a plenum of the extraction system; containing contaminated air comprising the emissions in the plenum of the extraction system, wherein the extraction system further comprises a fan assembly and one or more filters; extracting the contaminated air from the plenum to form an air stream comprising the contaminated air by flowing the contaminated air via the fan assembly; and flowing the air stream through the one or more filters to filter at least a portion of particulate matter and at least a portion of volatile organic compounds to form a filtered air stream.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the extraction system further comprises a pre-filter, wherein the method further comprises flowing the contaminated air through the pre-filter to filter at least a portion of the particulate matter having a large size before flowing the contaminated air through the one or more filters.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the plenum comprises: a first cross-sectional area; a second cross-sectional area, the second cross-sectional area being larger than the first cross-sectional area; and one or more extended surfaces that transform the first cross-sectional area of the plenum to the second cross-sectional area of the plenum, wherein the method further comprises expanding a cross-sectional area of the air stream via the one or more extended surfaces to distribute the air stream over a surface of the pre-filter.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the extraction system further comprises a multi-stage filter cartridge comprising a first filter stage having a first filter of the one or more filters, a second filter stage having a second filter of the one or more filters, and a third filter stage having a third filter of the one or more filters, wherein flowing the air stream through the one or more filters comprises: flowing the air stream through the first filter stage to filter at least a portion of the particulate matter having a first size; flowing the air stream through the second filter stage to filter at least a portion of the particulate matter having a second size smaller than the first size; and flowing the air stream through the third filter stage to filter at least a portion of volatile organic compounds.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: ​ laser marking one or more microscope slides, wherein the laser extends through an opening of the plenum, wherein the contaminated air is extracted in response to marking the one or more microscope slides.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the extraction system further comprises a funnel directly fluidly coupled to at least one of the one or more filters, wherein the method further comprises expanding a cross-sectional area of the air stream via the funnel to distribute the air stream across a surface of at least one of the one or more filters.

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