Abstract: There is provided an integrated exclusion filter and pressurizing device which prevents leakage of unfiltered fluid across the interface area between a rotating filtering apparatus and non-rotating bulkhead. The exclusion filter utilized is of the type which utilizes Boundary Layer Momentum Transfer methodology to achieve filtration, and which includes a cylindrical stack of substantially flat annular plates. A pressurizing device is utilized downstream from the exclusion filter to repressurize filtered fluid and direct the filtered fluid toward the interface area. Either all the filtered fluid or only a portion may be repressurized, and some of the filtered fluid may be directed toward the bulkhead itself to aid pressurization by creating a local stagnation region. The pressurizing device may utilize flow diverting vanes in a housing, including blowers, pumps, compressors, and fans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enhanced exclusion filter having a cylindrical stack of substantially identical annular disks and a central rotating element. Each annular disk engages the rotating element by at least one strut which extends inward from the inner perimeter of the annular disk toward the central axis of the cylindrical stack. Protuberances extend from the annular disks and engage depressions in adjacent annular disks to maintain the spacing between adjacent annular disks. Dimples extending through the annular disks may be utilized to form a depression on one surface of an annular disk and a protuberance on the opposite surface of the annular disk. The annular disks are angularly offset by a fixed amount from the adjacent annular disks so that rough vane surfaces are formed by the struts of the annular disks. Preferably a pattern of substantially identical angular offsets is used.

Abstract: There is provided an integrated exclusion filter and pressurizing device which prevents leakage of unfiltered fluid across the interface area between a rotating filtering apparatus and non-rotating bulkhead. The exclusion filter utilized is of the type which utilizes Boundary Layer Momentum Transfer methodology to achieve filtration, and which includes a cylindrical stack of substantially flat annular plates. A pressurizing device is utilized downstream from the exclusion filter to repressurize filtered fluid and direct the filtered fluid toward the interface area. Either all the filtered fluid or only a portion may be repressurized, and some of the filtered fluid may be directed toward the bulkhead itself to aid pressurization by creating a local stagnation region. The pressurizing device may utilize flow diverting blades in a housing, including blowers, pumps, compressors, and fans.

Abstract: For use with a reserve battery couplable to a source of electrical power, a battery connect/disconnect circuit, including: (1) a switching subcircuit comprising a series-coupled controllable switch and diode and connected in electrical series with the reserve battery, the diode reverse-biased with respect the source of electrical power, (2) a contactor coupled in electrical parallel with the switching subcircuit and (3) a control circuit, coupled to the switching subcircuit and the contactor, that selectively closes the contactor to couple the reserve battery to the source of electrical power to charge the reserve battery.