NFC card for an air filtration assembly

Abstract

A work system may include a work tool, a workstation at which the work tool may perform a work task, and an air filtration assembly for filtering gas or particles generated responsive to operation of the work tool. The air filtration assembly may include an intake which may be repositionable relative to the work tool, a housing which may be operably coupled to the intake and may include a filter, a motor and processing circuitry, an exhaust operably coupled to the housing and an identification member that may be configured to communicate with the processing circuitry. Air may enter the air filtration assembly at the intake responsive to operation of the motor, before passing through the filter and exiting out the exhaust. The processing circuitry may control the operation of the air filtration assembly. The air filtration assembly may not operate prior to verifying the identification member.

Description

[0001] NFC CARD FOR AN AIR FILTRATION ASSEMBLY

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Example embodiments generally relate to air filtration assemblies and, in particular, relate to such assemblies having performance assurance measures.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Many tasks or processes that may commonly take place in manufacturing or lab settings may generate unwanted byproducts in various forms. For example, processes involving certain materials and chemicals may create waste that may need to be dealt with appropriately either via proper disposal or cleaning. In some cases, the byproducts may be airborne and may require the use of an air filtration assembly to dispose of them accordingly. One such task that may generate airborne byproducts may be soldering. Soldering tools, which are sometimes referred to as soldering irons or soldering guns, are commonly used in electronics manufacturing and repair activities along with other crafts and industries that involve metalwork. Soldering tools are typically used to join metallic items together at a joint by melting a filler metal (i.e., solder) into the joint. A tip portion of the soldering tool may, due to operation of a heater, become hot enough to melt solder that contacts the tip portion. The act of melting the solder, and thus soldering in general, may release gas into the air that may contain volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) or other chemicals.

[0006] Soldering and other related tasks may often be performed at a workstation indoors. In some cases, the workstation may be located proximate to other workstations and sometimes within the same room. Thus, an air filtration assembly may be employed to filter the air proximate to the workstation where the task may be taking place. Common considerations to make regarding the configuration and use of the air filtration assembly may include ensuring it is adequately sized for the space it is occupying, ensuring it is operating effectively, and improving its overall ease of operation / user experience. Thus, it may be desirable to provide an improved air filtration assembly to address some of the above considerations to create an environment that may be safer for the operator and other potential surrounding workstations. BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

[0007] In an example embodiment, an air filtration assembly for filtering gas or particles generated responsive to operation of the work tool may be provided. The air filtration assembly may include an intake which may be repositionable relative to the work tool, a housing which may be operably coupled to the intake and may include a filter, a motor and processing circuitry, an exhaust operably coupled to the housing and an identification member that may be configured to communicate with the processing circuitry. Air may enter the air filtration assembly at the intake responsive to operation of the motor, before passing through the filter and exiting out the exhaust. The processing circuitry may control the operation of the air filtration assembly. The air filtration assembly may not operate prior to verifying the identification member.

[0008] In another example embodiment, a work system may be provided. The work system may include a work tool, a workstation at which the work tool may perform a work task, and an air filtration assembly for filtering gas or particles generated responsive to operation of the work tool. The air filtration assembly may include an intake which may be repositionable relative to the work tool, a housing which may be operably coupled to the intake and may include a filter, a motor and processing circuitry, an exhaust operably coupled to the housing and an identification member that may be configured to communicate with the processing circuitry. Air may enter the air filtration assembly at the intake responsive to operation of the motor, before passing through the filter and exiting out the exhaust. The processing circuitry may control the operation of the air filtration assembly. The air filtration assembly may not operate prior to verifying the identification member.

[0009] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0010] Having thus described some example embodiments in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a work system according to an example embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the air filtration assembly from FIG. 1 in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates an identification member in communication with processing circuitry according to an example embodiment; and FIG. 4 illustrates the identification member in communication with processing circuitry and a personal computer according to an example embodiment.

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other.

[0016] As indicated above, some example embodiments may relate to the provision of an air filtration assembly that includes features that improve its operation. In some cases, an identification member may be employed to not only activate the air filtration assembly, but also to ensure that only approved filters may be used in the air filtration assembly and to track the age and condition of the filter in the air filtration assembly. If a filter is found to be old or to not be properly filtering the air, personal computer may automatically order a replacement filter. However, other strategies and features are also contemplated as described in greater detail below.

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a work system 10 according to an example embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the air filtration assembly 100 set up at a workstation 210 in accordance with an example embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates the identification member 170 in communication with the processing circuitry 160 according to an example embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates the identification member 170 in communication with the processing circuitry 160 and a personal computer 192 to monitor the filter 130 according to an example embodiment.

[0018] The work system 10 of FIG. 1 may include an air filtration assembly 100, a work tool 200 and a workstation 210. The air filtration assembly 100 may include a housing 110, an intake 120, a filter 130, a motor 140, an exhaust 150 and processing circuitry 160. In some cases, the housing 110 may contain the filter 130, the motor 140 and the processing circuitry 160 within the housing 110. The housing 110 may take on any number of shapes and sizes depending on various design constraints such as the volume of air that the air filtration assembly 100 may need to filter, or in what type of setting the air filtration assembly 100 may be used in. For example, in some cases the air filtration assembly 100 may be a relatively small assembly, and thus the housing 110 may be configured to be disposed on a desktop / workbench. In other cases the air filtration assembly 100 may be slightly larger and thus the housing 110 may be configured to be disposed under a desk / workbench. In still another case, the air filtration assembly 100 may be even larger still and configured to be disposed nearby as a standalone assembly. Thus, the housing 110 may take on different shapes and / or sizes depending on the particular needs and configuration of each embodiment dictated by the environment and the particular use case of the air filtration assembly 100.

[0019] The housing 110 may also include the intake 120 and the exhaust 150 operably coupled thereto. In this regard, and as shown in FIG. 1, air may enter the air filtration assembly 100 through the intake 120 before proceeding to pass through the filter 130 responsive to the operation of the motor 140 driving a fan or other mechanism to facilitate airflow through the air filtration assembly 100. The air may exit the air filtration assembly 100 through the exhaust 150 where it may then reenter the immediate surrounding environment, or be directed elsewhere, responsive to having any airborne particles filtered out of the air by the filter 130. In some cases, the filter 130 may be a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. In some other cases, different levels / forms of filtration may be desired which may necessitate different types of filters for larger or smaller airborne particulates, and even some gaseous compounds.

[0020] In an example embodiment, the air filtration assembly 100 may include an identification member 170. The identification member 170 may be used for various purposes and may perform various functions with respect to the air filtration assembly 100. In this regard, in some cases, the air filtration assembly 100 may not operate without first detecting the presence of the identification member 170. The identification member 170 may also be linked to the filter 130. As such, the identification member 170 may be included in the purchase of the filter 130, and subsequent identification members 170 may be included in the purchase of any subsequent filters 130. Accordingly, the filter 130 may be unique, as indicated by its corresponding identification member 170. In this regard, the air filtration assembly 100 may detect the identification member 170 to verify the validity of the filter 130 prior to beginning to operate. In other words, the identification member 170 may prevent the use of a counterfeit filter 130 in the air filtration assembly 100. Thus, the operation of the air filtration assembly 100 may not be compromised by the use of an inappropriate filter 130. In some cases, the identification member 170 may be a near field communication (NFC) card. Thus, in some cases, the air filtration assembly 100 may include an NFC scanner 172 disposed either at the housing 110 and operably coupled to the processing circuitry 160 or remote from the housing and otherwise operably coupled to the processing circuitry 160. In order to commence operation of the air filtration assembly 100, the user may briefly hold the identification member 170 proximate to the NFC scanner 172 in order for the processing circuitry 160 to communicate with the identification member 170 via the NFC scanner 172 and confirm the validity of the filter 130. In an example embodiment, the identification member 170 may communicate other data 194 related to the filter 130 to the processing circuitry 160. In some cases, the identification member 170 may also communicate operating parameters 196 according to which the processing circuitry 160 may control the operation of the air filtration assembly 100.

[0021] The air filtration assembly 100 may be powered by a power source 180 which, according to an example embodiment, may be a source of electrical energy such as a battery or a connection to mains power. As mentioned above, operation of the air filtration assembly 100 may be controlled by the processing circuitry 160 which may be operably coupled to the power source 180 to control the delivery of power to the motor 140 accordingly. In this regard, the processing circuitry 160 may also be operably coupled to a user interface 190 that, in some cases, may be disposed at the housing 110. The user interface 190 may be operable by a user to change certain operating parameters 196 of the air filtration assembly 100, such as powering on / off the air filtration assembly 100 and changing an operating speed of the motor 140, among others. In some cases, the processing circuitry 160 may control the operation of the air filtration assembly 100 automatically responsive to input from the identification member 170 and without user input from the user interface 190. In another example embodiment, the processing circuitry 160 may operate the air filtration assembly 100 at a set operating speed for specific time intervals responsive to user input at the user interface 190 selecting such a mode of operation.

[0022] The processing circuitry 160 may be configured to provide electronic control inputs to one or more functional units of the air filtration assembly 100 and to process data 194 received at or generated by the one or more functional units of the air filtration assembly 100, such as the identification member 170. Thus, the processing circuitry 160 may be configured to perform data processing, control function execution and / or other processing and management services according to an example embodiment. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 160 may be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the processing circuitry 160 may comprise one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) including materials, components and / or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, conservation of size, and / or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. The processing circuitry 160 may therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an embodiment of the present invention on a single chip or as a single “system on a chip.” As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein.

[0023] In an example embodiment, the processing circuitry 160 may include one or more instances of a processor 162 and memory 164 that may be in communication with or otherwise control other components or modules that interface with the processing circuitry 160. As such, the processing circuitry 160 may be embodied as a circuit chip (e.g., an integrated circuit chip) configured (e.g., with hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software) to perform operations described herein. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 160 may be embodied as a portion of an onboard computer housed in the housing 110 of the air filtration assembly 100 to control operation of the assembly.

[0024] In some other cases, the user interface 190 may not be disposed at the housing 110 and may instead be disposed at a personal computer 192 of the user. The personal computer 192 may, for example, be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop or other form of computing device. In this regard, the user may be able to configure the operation of the air filtration assembly 100 wirelessly from the personal computer 192 which may act as the user interface 190 in such embodiments. The user interface 190 may be in communication (i.e. either wirelessly or by wire) with the processing circuitry 160 to receive an indication of a user input at the user interface 190 and / or to provide an audible, visual, tactile or other output to the user. As such, the user interface 190 may include, for example, a display, one or more switches, lights, buttons or keys, speaker, and / or other input / output mechanisms. However, more complex interface mechanisms could be provided in some cases. In some cases, the processing circuitry 160 may control the operating speed of the motor 140 based on input provided to the user interface 190 of the air filtration assembly 100.

[0025] The personal computer 192 may also be configured to communicate with the identification member 170 in some embodiments. In this regard, rather than the personal computer 192 communicate operating parameters 196 directly to the processing circuitry 160, the user may define the operating parameters 196 in a memory unit 174 of the identification member 170. Therefore, each time that particular identification member 170 may be used to activate the air filtration assembly 100, the processing circuitry 160 may automatically receive the operating parameters 196 from the identification member 170 and the air filtration assembly 100 may be operated according to the desired parameters.

[0026] FIGS. 1 and 2 also depict a work tool 200 and a workstation 210, which the air filtration assembly 100 may be operably coupled to and / or disposed proximate to. In this regard, the workstation 210 may be a table, desk, workbench or any other sort of structure at which a user may perform a work task. In some cases, the workstation 210 may not include a structure at all, and may simply be a general area in which the work tool 200 may be disposed. The work tool 200 may be any number of a variety of tools depending on a task that is desired to be accomplished. For example, the work tool 200 may be a soldering tool, a laser cutting tool, a 3D printer, an injection molding tool, a mill, a lathe, a power saw or many other types of tools commonly used in manufacturing and engineering. For the purposes of illustration and explanation of the components and associated structures of the air filtration assembly 100, the work tool 200 shown in FIG. 2 may be a soldering tool.

[0027] FIGS. 3 and 4 depict the identification member 170 in communication with the processing circuitry 160 according to an example embodiment. As mentioned above, the identification member 170 may be linked to the filter 130. In this regard, the identification member 170 may contain data 194 related to the filter 130 within the memory unit 174. The processing circuitry 160 may identify the filter 130 using the data 194 contained in the memory unit 174, and thus the processing circuitry 160 may confirm that the filter 130 is appropriate to use in the air filtration assembly 100. In some cases, the identification member 170 may be encrypted to prevent the use of counterfeit filters 130 in the air filtration assembly 100. This may improve and maintain the operation of the air filtration assembly 100 by ensuring only approved filters 130 may be used so that performance is not reduced and the filter 130 filters out the proper pollutants in the air from the work tool 200. In an example embodiment, the identification member 170 may be used for as long as the filter 130 may be in use. In other words, the filter 130 may be linked to one particular identification member 170 such that a subsequent filter 130 will come with a corresponding subsequent identification member 170. Thus, when it may come time to replace the filter 130, the identification member 170 may be replaced as well.

[0028] The processing circuitry 160 of some embodiments may both read data 194 related to the filter 130 from the memory unit 174 and write data 194 related to the filter 130 in the memory unit 174. In some example embodiments, the data 194 may include details such as an age of the filter 130, a condition of the filter 130, and a total operation time of the filter 130. In this regard, each time the filter 130 may be used in the air filtration assembly 100, the processing circuitry 160 may overwrite previous data 194 in the memory unit 174 of the identification member 170 to update the data 194 with the total operation time of the filter 130 and the condition of the filter 130. In some cases, the processing circuitry 160 may use the difference pressure in the air filtration assembly 100 as a metric to quantify the age and condition of the filter 130. In this regard, a new and unused filter 130 may have associated with it, a certain difference in air pressure at the intake 120 side of the filter 130 and the exhaust 150 side of the filter 130. Over time and through use, the difference pressure of the filter 130 may change. Thus, the processing circuitry 160 may be configured to monitor the age and condition of the filter 130 via the difference pressure of the filter 130.

[0029] Responsive to the filter 130 reaching a predetermined age and / or condition, the personal computer 192 or the user interface 190 may automatically order a replacement filter 130 via interaction with the identification member 170. In this regard, the filter 130 may therefore be replaced at the ideal time to avoid any potentially inadvertent drop in performance. In some cases, the automatic order of a replacement filter 130 may be a setting configured to be either enabled or disabled in the personal computer 192 or in the user interface 190. In some other cases, the identification member 170 may simply present a reminder to the user interface 190 and / or personal computer 192 suggesting that the user order the replacement filter 130.

[0030] In an example embodiment, such as the one depicted in FIG. 4, the identification member 170 may also be a medium via which the user may define operating parameters 196 for the air filtration assembly 100. In this regard, the identification member 170 may contain pre-programmed operating parameters 196 developed for the particular filter 130 it may be linked to. For example, if the filter 130 is designed to be used in an air filtration assembly 100 for a soldering iron work tool 200, then the identification member 170 that is linked to the filter 130 may contain operating parameters 196 that may be most conducive to effective operation of the air filtration assembly 100 with the soldering tool. However, regardless of the operating parameters 196 that may be pre-programmed into the identification member 170, the user may define their own operating parameters 196 for the operation of the air filtration assembly 100 in the memory unit 174 via the personal computer 192 and / or the user interface 190. Whether or not the user defines their own operating parameters 196, the processing circuitry 160 may receive the operating parameters 196 from the memory unit 174 and may control the air filtration assembly 100 accordingly. In some cases, the air filtration assembly 100 may be one assembly amongst others in a larger air filtration system 220. In such cases, the air filtration system 220 may include a plurality of air filtration assemblies 100 perhaps disposed at a plurality of workstations 210. In such cases, the air filtration system 220 may include a main assembly 230 and a plurality of subassemblies 240. The main assembly 230 and the subassemblies 240 may each be an air filtration assembly 100, but the main assembly 230 may be the only air filtration assembly 100 in the air filtration system 220 to include the processing circuitry 160. In this regard, each of the subassemblies 240 may be configured to communicate with the processing circuitry 160 at the main assembly 230 either wirelessly or by wire. Similar to the functionality described above, the identification member 170 may be used at the main assembly 230 to activate operation of the air filtration system 220. The identification member 170 in such cases may contain operating parameters 196 and data 194 for each subassembly 240 as well as the main assembly 230. In this regard, a single identification member 170 may contain data 194 on all of the filters of the air filtration system 220. In some cases, the processing circuitry 160 at the main assembly 230 may communicate data 194 from each subassembly 240 to the identification member 170 to monitor respective filters 130 over time.

[0031] Some example embodiments may provide for an air filtration assembly for filtering gas or particles generated responsive to operation of a work tool. The air filtration assembly may include an intake which may be repositionable relative to the work tool, a housing which may be operably coupled to the intake and may include a filter, a motor and processing circuitry, an exhaust operably coupled to the housing and an identification member that may be configured to communicate with the processing circuitry. Air may enter the air filtration assembly at the intake responsive to operation of the motor, before passing through the filter and exiting out the exhaust. The processing circuitry may control the operation of the air filtration assembly. The air filtration assembly may not operate prior to verifying the identification member.

[0032] In some cases, the air filtration assembly described above may be augmented or modified by altering individual features mentioned above or adding optional features. The augmentations or modifications may be performed in any combination and in any order. For example, in some cases, the identification member may be a near field communication (NFC) card. In an example embodiment, the air filtration assembly may further include an NFC scanner disposed at the housing. In some cases, the processing circuitry may communicate with the identification member via the NFC scanner prior to the operation of the air filtration assembly. In an example embodiment, the identification member may be linked to the filter such that the identification member may include a model / serial number of the filter. In some cases, the identification member may communicate the model / serial number of the filter to the processing circuitry which may check the model / serial number with a list of known model / serial numbers. In an example embodiment, the filter may be linked to a respective unique identification member. In some cases, the identification member may be encrypted to prevent the use of counterfeit filters in the air filtration assembly. In an example embodiment, the identification member may include a memory unit. In some cases, the processing circuitry may read data related to the filter from the memory unit and may write data related to the filter in the memory unit. In an example embodiment, the data may include an age of the filter, a condition of the filter, and a total operation time of the filter. In some cases, a user may define operating parameters for the operation of the air filtration assembly in the memory unit via a personal computer. In an example embodiment, the processing circuitry may receive the operating parameters from the memory unit and may control the air filtration assembly accordingly. In some cases, based on the data in the memory unit, a personal computer may automatically order a replacement filter via interaction with the identification member.

[0033] Some example embodiments may provide for a work system. The work system may include a work tool, a workstation at which the work tool may perform a work task, and an air filtration assembly for filtering gas or particles generated responsive to operation of the work tool. The air filtration assembly may include an intake which may be repositionable relative to the work tool, a housing which may be operably coupled to the intake and may include a filter, a motor and processing circuitry, an exhaust operably coupled to the housing and an identification member that may be configured to communicate with the processing circuitry. Air may enter the air filtration assembly at the intake responsive to operation of the motor, before passing through the filter and exiting out the exhaust. The processing circuitry may control the operation of the air filtration assembly. The air filtration assembly may not operate prior to verifying the identification member.

[0034] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits and / or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED:

1. An air filtration assembly for filtering gas or particles generated responsive to operation of a work tool, the air filtration assembly comprising: an intake repositionable relative to the work tool; a housing operably coupled to the intake, the housing comprising a filter, a motor and processing circuitry; an exhaust operably coupled to the housing; and an identification member configured to communicate with the processing circuitry, wherein air enters the air filtration assembly at the intake responsive to operation of the motor, before passing through the filter and exiting out the exhaust, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to control the operation of the air filtration assembly, and wherein the air filtration assembly will not operate prior to verifying the identification member.

2. The air filtration assembly of claim 1, wherein the identification member is a near field communication (NFC) card.

3. The air filtration assembly of claim 2, wherein the air filtration assembly further comprises an NFC scanner disposed at the housing, and wherein the processing circuitry communicates with the identification member via the NFC scanner prior to the operation of the air filtration assembly.

4. The air filtration assembly of claim 3, wherein the identification member is linked to the filter such that the identification member comprises a model / serial number of the filter, and wherein the identification member communicates the model / serial number of the filter to the processing circuitry which checks the model / serial number with a list of known model / serial numbers.

5. The air filtration assembly of claim 4, wherein the filter is linked to a respective unique identification member.

6. The air filtration assembly of claim 4, wherein the identification member is encrypted to prevent the use of counterfeit filters in the air filtration assembly.

7. The air filtration assembly of claim 3, wherein the identification member comprises a memory unit, and wherein the processing circuitry reads data related to the filter from the memory unit and writes data related to the filter in the memory unit.

8. The air filtration assembly of claim 7, wherein the data comprises an age of the filter, a condition of the filter, and a total operation time of the filter.

9. The air filtration assembly of claim 7, wherein a user defines operating parameters for the operation of the air filtration assembly in the memory unit via a personal computer, and wherein the processing circuitry receives the operating parameters from the memory unit and controls the air filtration assembly accordingly.

10. The air filtration assembly of claim 7, wherein based on the data in the memory unit, a personal computer automatically orders a replacement filter via interaction with the identification member.

11. A work system comprising: a work tool; a workstation at which the work tool performs a work task; and an air filtration assembly for filtering gas or particles generated responsive to operation of the work tool, the air filtration assembly comprising: an intake repositionable relative to the work tool; a housing operably coupled to the intake, the housing comprising a filter, a motor and processing circuitry; an exhaust operably coupled to the housing; and an identification member configured to communicate with the processing circuitry, wherein air enters the air filtration assembly at the intake responsive to operation of the motor, before passing through the filter and exiting out the exhaust,wherein the processing circuitry is configured to control the operation of the air filtration assembly, and wherein the air filtration assembly will not operate prior to verifying the identification member.

12. The work system of claim 11, wherein the identification member is a near field communication (NFC) card.

13. The work system of claim 12, wherein the air filtration assembly further comprises an NFC scanner disposed at the housing, and wherein the processing circuitry communicates with the identification member via the NFC scanner prior to the operation of the air filtration assembly.

14. The work system of claim 13, wherein the identification member is linked to the filter such that the identification member comprises a model / serial number of the filter, and wherein the identification member communicates the model / serial number of the filter to the processing circuitry which checks the model / serial number with a list of known model / serial numbers.

15. The work system of claim 14, wherein the filter is linked to a respective unique identification member.

16. The work system of claim 14, wherein the identification member is encrypted to prevent the use of counterfeit filters in the air filtration assembly.

17. The work system of claim 13, wherein the identification member comprises a memory unit, and wherein the processing circuitry reads data related to the filter from the memory unit and writes data related to the filter in the memory unit.

18. The work system of claim 17, wherein the data comprises an age of the filter, a condition of the filter, and a total operation time of the filter.

19. The work system of claim 17, wherein a user defines operating parameters for the operation of the air filtration assembly in the memory unit via a personal computer, and wherein the processing circuitry receives the operating parameters from the memory unit and controls the air filtration assembly accordingly.

20. The work system of claim 17, wherein based on the data in the memory unit, a personal computer automatically orders a replacement filter via interaction with the identification member.

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