Differential pressure sensor and monitor for measuring filter condition

Abstract

The system, equipment, and procedures provide a filter condition sensor. The filter condition sensor includes a first pressure port and a second pressure port located on a housing and configured to provide access to an upstream and a downstream side of a filter, respectively. A pressure transmitter is configured to measure a differential pressure between the upstream and downstream sides of the filter. A color-changing indicator, emitting three different colors, is located on the front of the housing. A control unit is configured to cause the color-changing indicator to emit three different colors, indicating normal filter operation, a warning that the filter should be replaced soon, or a warning that the filter should be replaced immediately.

Description

AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to systems, devices, and methods for filter condition sensors. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems, devices, and methods for a filter condition sensor configured to emit three different colors from a color-changing indicator, indicating different filter operating conditions. BACKGROUND

[0002] Customers have many applications where efficiently understanding the condition of the filters in a system (e.g., how clean or dirty they are) is crucial for optimal performance. The filter's condition can affect energy consumption, proper air circulation, and / or the condition of the spaces it serves. Current solutions utilize gauges or pressure sensors with displays that show the current pressure reading.

[0003] These solutions make it difficult to assess the actual condition of the system, as they are unable to represent the differential pressure limits at which a filter is clean or dirty. Consequently, there is an unmet need for customers to quickly and accurately visualize the filter condition in their equipment. SUMMARY

[0004] Some of the implementations discussed here advantageously provide a filter condition sensor with a first and second pressure port located on a housing and configured to access an upstream and downstream side of a filter, respectively. The filter condition sensor changes the color of its color-changing indicator light in response to pressure changes. The sensor may have two pressure thresholds and three indicator light colors. The filter condition sensor is configured to emit three different colors via the color-changing indicator, indicating normal filter operation, a warning that the filter will soon need replacing, or a warning that the filter should be replaced immediately.

[0005] As described in more detail below, in some implementations discussed herein, systems, devices, and procedures provide a filter condition sensor. The filter condition sensor includes a first pressure port and a second pressure port located on a housing and configured to provide access to an upstream and a downstream side of a filter, respectively. A pressure transmitter is configured to measure a differential pressure between the upstream and downstream sides of the filter. A color-changing indicator, emitting three different colors, is located on the front of the housing.A control unit is configured to cause three different colors to emit from the color change indicator, indicating normal filter operation, a warning that the filter should be replaced soon, or a warning that the filter should be replaced immediately.

[0006] In one example, a filter condition sensor comprises a housing, a first pressure port, a second pressure port, a pressure transmitter, a color-changing indicator, and a control unit. The first pressure port is configured to provide access to the upstream side of a filter. The second pressure port is configured to provide access to the downstream side of the filter. The pressure transmitter is located in the housing and is configured to measure the differential pressure between the upstream and downstream sides of the filter. The color-changing indicator is located on the front of the housing, opposite the rear, and is configured to emit three different colors. The control unit is coupled to the pressure transmitter and the color-changing indicator.The control unit is configured to: cause a first color to be emitted from the color change indicator, indicating normal filter operating conditions, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is below both a first and a second threshold; cause a second color to be emitted from the color change indicator, indicating a warning that the filter should be replaced soon, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and below the second threshold; and cause a third color to be emitted from the color change indicator, indicating a warning that the filter should be replaced immediately, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above both the first and second thresholds.

[0007] In another example, a method involves gaining access to the upstream side of a filter via a first pressure port. Access to the downstream side of the filter is gained via a second pressure port. A pressure transmitter located in the housing measures the differential pressure between the upstream and downstream sides of the filter. A first color, indicating normal filter operating conditions, is emitted via a color-changing indicator located on the front of the housing in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is below both a first and a second threshold.A second color is emitted from the color-change indicator, indicating a warning that the filter should soon be replaced, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and below the second threshold. A third color is emitted from the color-change indicator, indicating a warning that the filter should be replaced immediately, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above both the first and second thresholds.

[0008] In another example, a filtering system includes a filter, a housing, a first pressure port, a second pressure port, a pressure transmitter, a color-changing indicator, and a control unit. The first pressure port is located on the housing and is configured to provide access to the upstream side of a filter. The second pressure port is also located on the housing and is configured to provide access to the downstream side of a filter. The pressure transmitter is located inside the housing and is configured to measure the differential pressure between the upstream and downstream sides of the filter. The color-changing indicator is located on the front of the housing, opposite the rear, and is configured to emit three different colors. The control unit is coupled to the pressure transmitter and the color-changing indicator.The control unit is configured to: . Causing the color indicator to emit a first color, indicating normal filter operating conditions, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is below both a first and a second threshold; causing the color indicator to emit a second color, indicating a warning that the filter should be replaced soon, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and below the second threshold; and causing the color indicator to emit a third color, indicating a warning that the filter should be replaced immediately, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above both the first and second thresholds.

[0009] This summary serves to present, in simplified form, a selection of concepts that are further described in detail below. The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain implementations, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to serve as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The foregoing and other features and advantages are explained in detail in the following non-limiting description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 A schematic view of a system equipped with filtering according to an example in the present disclosure illustrates; Fig. 2A-2C illustrate a front view of a filter condition sensor under three different operating conditions according to an example of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 an illustration of a perspective rear view of a filter state sensor according to an example of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is an illustration of a perspective side view of a filter state sensor according to an example of the present disclosure; Fig. 5 is an illustration of a flowchart of an exemplary procedure for operating sequences of a filter state sensor according to an example of the present disclosure; Fig. 6 is an illustration of a flowchart of another exemplary procedure for the operating procedures of a filter state sensor according to an example of the present disclosure; Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a computer program product according to an example in the present disclosure; Fig. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary liquid dispensing device according to an example in the present disclosure; and Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware device including a semiconductor package according to an example in the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE AVAILABLE FORM OF EXECUTION

[0011] As described in more detail below, some implementations of the present invention relate to a filter condition sensor comprising a built-in pressure transmitter, a microprocessor, a display screen, a color-changing light indicator, and an input unit for changing the settings. These implementations measure the differential pressure between an upstream side of a filter (e.g., a type of flow barrier) and a downstream side.

[0012] In some embodiments, the filter condition sensor changes the color of the color-changing indicator (e.g., a light ring) when the pressure reaches a predefined threshold. The filter condition sensor can have two pressure thresholds (also called limit values) and three light indicator colors. Thresholds can be user-defined via the input unit (e.g., in a settings screen on the display screen).

[0013] When the pressure is below the first pressure limit, the color-changing light indicator (e.g., a ring light) displays a first color (e.g., green), visually indicating that the filter is clean or in good condition. When the pressure exceeds the first pressure limit (known as the "warning"), the color-changing light indicator (e.g., a ring light) changes to a second color (e.g., yellow), visually indicating that the filter has reached the end of its service life, is dirty, and / or the beam is partially blocked. When the pressure exceeds the second pressure limit (known as the "alarm"), the color-changing light indicator (e.g., a ring light) changes to a third color (e.g., red), visually indicating that the filter has reached the end of its service life, is dirty and needs to be replaced, and / or that the beam is blocked.

[0014] Some of the implementations discussed here provide an easily understandable visual indication of the status of the flow barrier in a market where current products require an interpretation and inherent understanding of the barrier properties or a third-party system to interpret and display the data.

[0015] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a filter-equipped system 100 according to an example from the present disclosure. As explained in more detail below, the filter-equipped system 100 includes a filter condition sensor 102 and a filter 107. In some implementations, the filter-equipped system 100 may be a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Alternatively, the filter-equipped system 100 may be used: for filter monitoring in commercial air handling units (e.g., especially in legacy units using obsolete pressure transmitters without connectivity); filter monitoring in air purification equipment; filter monitoring in dust collection equipment in industrial applications; filter monitoring in cleanrooms; the like; and / or combinations thereof.The filter condition sensor 102 includes a housing 104, a first pressure port 106, a second pressure port 108, a pressure transmitter 110, a color change indicator 112, a display screen 114, an input unit 116, and a control unit 118.

[0016] In some implementations, the enclosure 104 is sized to fit inside a US simple junction box, an international type 86 junction box (e.g., a junction box measuring 86 mm x 86 mm), or the like.

[0017] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective rear view of the filter status sensor 102 according to an example from the present disclosure. As explained in more detail below, the first pressure port 106 and the second pressure port 108 are located on a rear side 302 of the housing 104 (e.g., instead of on a front side 304 of the housing 104).

[0018] With renewed reference to Fig. In this embodiment, the first pressure port 106 is configured to provide access to an upstream side 120 of the filter 107. Similarly, the second pressure port 108 is configured to provide access to a downstream side 122 of the filter 107. The term "access" as used here includes a fluid connection to sides 120 and 122 of the filter 107 sufficient to allow pressure assessment. Furthermore, in some embodiments, hoses or other types of tubing may be used to provide access from the first and second fluid ports 106 and 108 to the respective sides 120 and 122 of the filter 107.

[0019] The pressure transmitter 110 is located inside the housing 104. Using known components and techniques, the pressure transmitter 110 is configured to measure a differential pressure between the upstream side 120 of the filter 107 (e.g., via the first pressure port 106) and the downstream side 122 of the filter 107 (e.g., via the second pressure port 108).

[0020] Fig. Figures 2A-2C illustrate a front view of a filter status sensor 102 under three different operating conditions according to an example of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the color change indicator 112 is located on the front 304 of the housing 104 opposite the rear 302 (see, for example, Figure 2A-2C). Fig. 3) The color-changing indicator 112, which may include one or more light sources (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs)), is configured to emit three different colors. In some implementations, the first color is green (e.g., as in Fig. 2A illustrates), the second color is yellow (e.g. as in Fig. 2B illustrates) and the third color is red (e.g. as in Fig. (2C illustrated), although other color combinations can also be used. In some examples, the color-changing indicator 112 can be implemented as a color-changing light ring (e.g., or another geometric shape). The color-changing indicator 112 extends from the front 304 of the housing 104 to transmit light at an angle of 180 degrees with respect to the front 304 of the housing 104.

[0021] The display screen 114, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, is located on the front 304 of the housing 104. In some implementations, the display screen 114 is located inside the color-changing light ring 112. The display screen 114 is configured to show the measured differential pressure (here, for example, represented as 1.00 inch water column pressure) (e.g., as in Fig. 2A illustrated), 1.51 inch WC (e.g. as in Fig. 2B illustrated) and 2.01 inch WC (e.g. as in Fig. 2C illustrates) under different operating conditions.

[0022] The input unit 116 is located on the front 304 of the housing 104. In some implementations, the input unit 116 is located inside the color-changing light ring 112. In some examples, the input unit 116 is implemented as a touch sensor, buttons, etc., and / or combinations thereof. The input unit 116 can be used by a user to input first and second threshold values ​​to control the operation of the control unit 118.

[0023] With renewed reference to Fig. The control unit 118 is coupled with the pressure transmitter 110, the color-changing indicator 112, the display screen 114, and the input unit 116. In some implementations, the control unit 118 can be a microprocessor.

[0024] In operation, the control unit is configured to receive the first and second threshold values ​​from the user input into the input unit 116. The control unit 118 is configured to cause a first color (e.g., green) to emit from the color change indicator 112, indicating normal filter operating conditions, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is below both a first and a second threshold (e.g., to indicate normal operating conditions). The control unit 118 is also configured to cause a second color (e.g., yellow) to emit from the color change indicator 112, thus indicating a warning that the filter should soon be replaced, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and below the second threshold (e.g., to indicate normal operating conditions).The control unit 118 is configured to cause a third color (e.g., red) to be emitted from the color-change indicator 112, thus issuing a warning that the filter should be replaced immediately, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and above the second threshold (e.g., to indicate critical operating conditions, such as: the filter has reached the end of its service life, is dirty and must be replaced, and / or the flow is blocked). It is understood that, in addition to the color-change indicator, other types of indicators may be used, such as audible alarms or the flashing of the color-change indicator.

[0025] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, one difference from some existing products is that the second pressure port 108 (e.g., a downstream pressure port) is moved from the front 304 of the housing 104 to the rear 302 of the housing 104. This provides two pressure ports for connecting flow paths upstream and downstream of the filter barrier, thus enabling proper measurement of the differential pressure change across the filter barrier and determination of the filter condition.

[0026] As in Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a new internal path 402 for the second pressure port 108 (e.g., a downstream pressure port) to the rear 302 of the housing 104 compared to a previous internal path 404 for the second pressure port 108 (e.g., a downstream pressure port) to the front 304 of the housing 104.

[0027] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of another example of a Procedure 500 for the operating procedures of a filter state sensor according to an example. The Procedure 500 can generally be implemented in a device such as the filter state sensor 102 ( Fig. 1), which has already been explained.

[0028] For example, Method 500 (as well as Method 600) can be implemented in computer-readable instructions (e.g., software), configurable computer-readable instructions (e.g., firmware), computer-readable instructions with fixed functionality (e.g., hardware), etc., or any combination thereof.

[0029] The illustrated processing block 502 provides access to an upstream side of a filter. For example, access to an upstream side of a filter can be obtained via a first pressure port located on the rear of a housing.

[0030] The illustrated processing block 504 allows access to a downstream side of the filter. For example, access to a downstream side of the filter can be obtained via a second pressure port on the rear of the housing.

[0031] The illustrated processing block 506 provides the measurement of a differential pressure between the upstream side of the filter and the downstream side of the filter via a pressure transmitter located in the housing.

[0032] The illustrated processing block 508 provides the emission of a first color by the color-change indicator. For example, a first color indicating normal filter operating conditions can be emitted via a color-change indicator located on the front of the housing in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is below both a first threshold and a second threshold.

[0033] The illustrated processing block 510 provides for the emission of a second color by the color change indicator. For example, a second color can be emitted from the color change indicator to indicate a warning that the filter should soon be replaced, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and below the second threshold.

[0034] The illustrated processing block 512 provides for the emission of a third color by the color change indicator. For example, a third color can be emitted from the color change indicator to indicate a warning that the filter should be replaced immediately, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and above the second threshold.

[0035] In some implementations, the first color is green, the second color is yellow, and the third color is red.

[0036] In some examples, the determination of whether the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and above the second threshold is carried out via a microprocessor.

[0037] Fig. Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of another example of a procedure 600 for the operating sequences of a filter state sensor according to an example. The procedure 600 can generally be implemented in a device such as the filter state sensor 102 ( Fig. 1), which has already been explained.

[0038] The illustrated processing block 602 provides the reception of the first and second thresholds. For example, the first and second thresholds can be received from user input via the input unit.

[0039] The illustrated processing block 604 provides the display of the measured differential pressure. For example, the measured differential pressure can be displayed via a gauge located on the front of the housing inside the color-changing light ring.

[0040] Fig. Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer program product 700. In some examples, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the computer program product 700 includes machine-readable memory 702, which may also include computer-readable instructions 704. In some implementations, the machine-readable memory 702 may be implemented as non-volatile machine-readable memory. In some implementations, the computer-readable instructions 704 may, for example, be implemented as software. In one example, when executed by a processor 706, the computer-readable instructions 704 implement one or more aspects of the procedure 500 ( Fig. 5) and / or the procedure 600 ( Fig. 6), which have already been discussed.

[0041] Fig. Figure 8 shows an illustrative example of an 800 device. In the illustrated example, the 800 device can include a processor 802 and a memory 804, which is communicatively coupled to the processor 802. The memory 804 can contain computer-readable instructions 806, which are implemented, for example, as software. In one example, when executed by the processor 802, the computer-readable instructions 806 implement one or more aspects of the procedure 500 ( Fig. 5) and / or the procedure 600 ( Fig. 6), which have already been discussed.

[0042] In some implementations, the 802 processor may include a general-purpose controller, a special-purpose controller, a storage controller, a storage manager, a memory controller, a microcontroller, a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a central processing unit (CPU), the like, and / or combinations thereof.

[0043] Furthermore, implementations may include distributed processing, component / object distributed processing, parallel processing, the like, and / or combinations thereof. For example, virtual computer system processing may implement one or more of the methods or functionalities described herein, and the 802 processor described herein may be used to support such virtual processing.

[0044] In some examples, Memory 804 is an example of a computer-readable storage medium. For instance, Memory 804 could be any memory accessible to Processor 802, including but not limited to RAM, registers and register files, the like, and / or combinations thereof. References to "computer memory" or "memory" should be interpreted as possibly referring to multiple memories. For example, Memory could be multiple memories within the same computer system. Memory could also consist of multiple memories distributed across multiple computer systems or computing devices.

[0045] Fig. Figure 9 shows an illustrative semiconductor device 900 (e.g., chip and / or package). The illustrated device 900 includes one or more substrates 902 (e.g., silicon, sapphire, or gallium arsenide) and computer-readable instructions 904 (such as configurable computer-readable instructions (e.g., firmware) and / or computer-readable instructions with fixed functionality (e.g., hardware)) coupled to the substrate(s) 902. In one example, the computer-readable instructions 904 implement one or more aspects of the method 500 ( Fig. 5) and / or the procedure 600 ( Fig. 6), which have already been discussed.

[0046] In some implementations, the computer-readable instructions 904 may include a transistor array and / or other integrated circuit (IC) components. For example, configurable firmware logic and / or hardware logic implementations with fixed functionality of the computer-readable instructions 904 may include configurable computer-readable instructions such as programmable logic arrays (PLAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), or computer-readable instructions with fixed functionality (e.g., hardware) using circuit technology such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) or transistor-transistor logic (TTL), the like, and / or combinations thereof. Additional notes and examples: Clause 1 is a filter condition sensor comprising: a housing; a first pressure port located on the housing, the first pressure port being configured to provide access to an upstream side of a filter; a second pressure port located on the housing, wherein the second pressure port is configured to provide access to a downstream side of the filter; a pressure transmitter located inside the housing, wherein the pressure transmitter is configured to measure a differential pressure between the upstream side of the filter and the downstream side of the filter; a color-changing indicator located on a front of the housing opposite a rear, wherein the color-changing indicator is configured to emit three different colors; and a control unit coupled to the pressure transmitter and the color-changing indicator, wherein the control unit is configured to: cause a first color to be emitted from the color-changing indicator, indicating normal filter operating conditions, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is below both a first threshold and a second threshold; cause a second color to be emitted from the color-changing indicator, indicating a warning that the filter should soon be replaced, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and below the second threshold;and cause a third color to be emitted from the color change indicator, indicating a warning that the filter should be replaced immediately, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and above the second threshold. Clause 2 includes the filter status sensor according to Clause 1, where the first color is green, the second color is yellow, and the third color is red. Clause 3 includes the filter status sensor according to one of clauses 1 to 2, wherein the color change indicator is a color-changing light ring. Clause 4 includes the filter condition sensor according to Clause 3, further comprising a display screen located on the front of the housing inside the color-changing light ring, the display screen being configured to show the measured differential pressure. Clause 5 includes the filter status sensor according to one of clauses 1 to 4, where the control unit is a microprocessor. Clause 6 includes the filter state sensor according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the control unit is further configured to receive the first and second threshold values ​​from user input. Clause 7 is a method comprising: obtaining access to an upstream side of a filter via a first pressure port located on a housing; obtaining access to a downstream side of the filter via a second pressure port on the housing; measuring a differential pressure between the upstream side of the filter and the downstream side of the filter via a pressure transmitter located in the housing; emitting a first color indicating normal filter operating conditions via a color change indicator located on a front of the housing in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is below both a first threshold and a second threshold;Emitting a second color from the color change indicator, indicating a warning that the filter should soon be replaced, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and below the second threshold; and emitting a third color from the color change indicator, indicating a warning that the filter should be replaced immediately, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above both the first and second thresholds. Clause 8 includes the procedure according to Clause 7, wherein the first color is green, the second color is yellow and the third color is red. Clause 9 includes the procedure according to one of Clauses 7 to 8, wherein the color-changing indicator is a color-changing light ring. Clause 10 includes the procedure according to Clause 9, and further comprises: displaying the measured differential pressure via a display screen located on the front of the housing inside the color-changing light ring. Clause 11 includes the procedure according to one of Clauses 7 to 10, wherein the determination of whether the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and above the second threshold is carried out by a microprocessor. Clause 12 includes the procedure according to any one of Clauses 7 to 11, and further includes: receiving the first and second threshold values ​​from the user input. Clause 13 is a filtering system comprising: a filter; a housing; a first pressure port located on the housing, the first pressure port being configured to provide access to an upstream side of the filter; a second pressure port located on the housing, the second pressure port being configured to provide access to a downstream side of the filter; a pressure transmitter located inside the housing, the pressure transmitter being configured to measure a differential pressure between the upstream side of the filter and the downstream side of the filter; a color-changing indicator located on a front of the housing opposite a rear, the color-changing indicator being configured to emit three different colors;and a control unit coupled to the pressure transmitter and the color change indicator, the control unit being configured to: cause a first color to be emitted from the color change indicator, indicating normal filter operating conditions, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is below both a first threshold and a second threshold; cause a second color to be emitted from the color change indicator, indicating a warning that the filter should soon be replaced, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and below the second threshold;and cause a third color to be emitted from the color change indicator, indicating a warning that the filter should be replaced immediately, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and above the second threshold. Clause 14 includes the filtering system according to Clause 13, where the first color is green, the second color is yellow, and the third color is red. Clause 15 includes the filtering-equipped system according to one of Clauses 13 to 14, wherein the color-changing indicator is a color-changing light ring. Clause 16 includes the filtering system according to Clause 15, further comprising a display screen located on the front of the housing inside the color-changing light ring, the display screen being configured to show the measured differential pressure. Clause 17 includes the filtering system according to any of Clauses 13 to 16, where the control unit is a microprocessor. Clause 18 includes the filtering system according to any of Clauses 13 to 17, wherein the control unit is further configured to receive the first and second thresholds from the user input. Clause 19 includes the filtering system according to any of Clauses 13 to 18, wherein the filtering system comprises a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Clause 20 includes machine-readable storage including machine-readable instructions which, when executed, implement a method or realize a device as claimed in any of the preceding clauses. Clause 21 includes a device including the means to perform the function according to any of the preceding clauses.

[0047] All definitions, as defined and used herein, are to be understood as replacing the definitions in dictionaries, definitions in documents incorporated by reference and / or the ordinary meaning of the defined terms.

[0048] Furthermore, certain functional blocks may be represented as separate blocks for better understanding; however, these separately represented blocks should not necessarily be understood in the order in which they are discussed herein or otherwise specified. For example, some blocks may be executed in a different order, simultaneously, etc.

[0049] As used herein, expressions that essentially resemble "at least one of A, B, or C" are to be interpreted in the disjunctive mood, i.e., they require A or B or C, or any combination thereof, unless the context indicates or implies otherwise. Furthermore, expressions that essentially resemble "at least one of A, B, and C" are to be interpreted in the subjunctive mood, i.e., they require at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C, unless the context indicates or implies otherwise. Furthermore, the phrase "essentially" or similar terms requiring a subjective comparison are to be understood as "within manufacturing tolerances," unless the context indicates or implies otherwise.

[0050] As used herein, the terms "coupled," "attached," "connected," or "operationally connected" may refer to any kind of direct or indirect relationship between the components in question. For example, the terms "coupled," "attached," "connected," or "operationally connected" may refer to at least a functional relationship between two elements and include configurations in which the two elements are directly connected, i.e., without any intervening elements, or indirectly connected, i.e., with intervening elements. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used herein only for convenience of explanation and have no particular temporal or chronological significance unless otherwise stated.The terms “cause” or “provoke” mean to bring about, force, compel, direct, command, instruct and / or enable an event or action to occur or at least to be in a state in which such an event or action may occur, either directly or indirectly.

[0051] Although a number of illustrative examples are described herein, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and examples can be devised by those skilled in the art that fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of the foregoing disclosure. In particular, meaningful variations and modifications in the component parts and / or arrangements of the object-combination arrangement are possible within the scope of the foregoing disclosure, the drawings, and the accompanying claims, without departing from the spirit of the foregoing disclosure. In addition to the variations and modifications of the component parts and / or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. The examples can be combined to form further examples.

Claims

[1] Filter status sensor, comprising: a case; a first pressure port located on the housing, wherein the first pressure port is configured to provide access to an upstream side of a filter; a second pressure port located on the housing, the second pressure port being configured to provide access to a downstream side of the filter; a pressure transmitter located inside the housing, wherein the pressure transmitter is configured to measure a differential pressure between the upstream side of the filter and the downstream side of the filter; a color-changing indicator located on a front of the housing opposite a rear of the housing, the color-changing indicator being configured to emit three different colors; and a control unit coupled with the pressure transmitter and the color change indicator, wherein the control unit is configured to: Causing the color-changing indicator to emit a first color indicating normal filter operating conditions in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is below both a first threshold and a second threshold; Causing the color-change indicator to emit a second color, indicating a warning that the filter should soon be replaced, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and below the second threshold; and Causing a third color to be emitted from the color change indicator, indicating a warning that the filter should be replaced immediately, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and above the second threshold. [2] Filter condition sensor according to claim 1, wherein the first color is green, the second color is yellow and the third color is red. [3] Filter status sensor according to claim 1, wherein the color change indicator is a color change light ring. [4] Filter condition sensor according to claim 3, further comprising a display screen located on the front of the housing inside the color-changing light ring, wherein the display screen is configured to display the measured differential pressure. [5] Filter state sensor according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is a microprocessor. [6] Filter state sensor according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is further configured to receive the first and second threshold values ​​from a user input. [7] Procedures, comprehensive: Gaining access to an upstream side of a filter via a first pressure port located on a housing; Access to a downstream side of the filter is gained via a second pressure port on the housing; Measuring a differential pressure between the upstream side of the filter and the downstream side of the filter via a pressure transmitter located in the housing; Emitting a first color indicating normal filter operating conditions via a color change indicator located on the front of the housing in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is below both a first threshold and a second threshold; Emitting a second color from the color-change indicator, indicating a warning that the filter should soon be replaced, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and below the second threshold; and Emitting a third color from the color change indicator, indicating a warning that the filter should be replaced immediately, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and above the second threshold. [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein the first color is green, the second color is yellow and the third color is red. [9] Method according to claim 7, wherein the color change indicator is a color change light ring. [10] Method according to claim 9, further comprising: displaying the measured differential pressure via a display screen located on the front of the housing inside the color-changing light ring. [11] Method according to claim 7, wherein the determination of whether the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and above the second threshold is carried out by a microprocessor. [12] Method according to claim 7, further comprising: receiving the first and second threshold values ​​from the user input. [13] System equipped with filtration, comprising: a filter; a case; a first pressure port located on the housing, wherein the first pressure port is configured to provide access to an upstream side of the filter; a second pressure port located on the housing, the second pressure port being configured to provide access to a downstream side of the filter; a pressure transmitter located inside the housing, wherein the pressure transmitter is configured to measure a differential pressure between the upstream side of the filter and the downstream side of the filter; a color-changing indicator located on a front of the housing opposite a rear of the housing, the color-changing indicator being configured to emit three different colors; and a control unit coupled with the pressure transmitter and the color change indicator, wherein the control unit is configured to: Causing the color-changing indicator to emit a first color indicating normal filter operating conditions in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is below both a first threshold and a second threshold; Causing the color-change indicator to emit a second color, indicating a warning that the filter should soon be replaced, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and below the second threshold; and Causing a third color to be emitted from the color change indicator, indicating a warning that the filter should be replaced immediately, in response to a determination that the measured differential pressure is above the first threshold and above the second threshold. [14] Filtering system according to claim 13, wherein the first color is green, the second color is yellow and the third color is red. [15] Filtering system according to claim 13, wherein the color change indicator is a color change light ring. [16] Filtering system according to claim 15, further comprising a display screen located on the front of the housing inside the color-changing light ring, wherein the display screen is configured to display the measured differential pressure. [17] System equipped with filtering according to claim 13, wherein the control unit is a microprocessor. [18] Filtering system according to claim 13, wherein the control unit is further configured to receive the first and second threshold values ​​from a user input. [19] Filtering system according to claim 13, wherein the filtering system comprises a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

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