Patents by Inventor Kelly R. Schmitz

Kelly R. Schmitz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20040216434
    Abstract: A filter element has a resiliently compressible end cap at a first axial end sealing the filter and providing sealed engagement with a flow tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Larry T. Gunderson, Thomas A. Fosdal, Gregory J. Schoenmann, Kelly R. Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6638332
    Abstract: A filter (10), including an inside-out reverse flow air filter, has an annular filter element (20) with an upper end cap (24) provided by a resiliently compressible trifunctional member having: (a) a wall (50) deflecting debris radially outwardly within the housing away from the central opening (26) of the hollow filter interior (22); (b) an air entrance guide throat (52) directing air to the central opening (26) with reduced restriction; and (c) a sealing surface (54) sealed to the housing and blocking air flow from the inlet (28) to the outlet (34) otherwise bypassing the filter element. In further embodiments, simplified and cost reduced sealing is provided by a configured end cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: FleetGuard, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly R. Schmitz, Jon S. Wake
  • Patent number: 6537339
    Abstract: An inside-out reverse flow air filter element (20) has a resiliendtly compressible molded lower end cap (48) having molded drainage surfaces including a molded raised central dome (72) shedding moisture radially outwardly and downwardly, a plurality of molded drainage holes (70, 74, 76, 78) spaced radially outwardly of and below the top of the central dome, and a plurality of radial segments (98, 100, 102, 104, 110, 112, 114, 116), an annular trough (80) and tapered slope surfaces (82, 84) providing desired drainage. A mold (130) has a plurality of upstanding segments (136, 138, 140, 142) having posts (144) and ramps (146) forming the drainage structure, and locator faces (152) engaging, guiding and locating the annular filter media (34) in the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Nelson Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly R. Schmitz, Kent J. Kallsen, Jon S. Wake
  • Publication number: 20020162309
    Abstract: An inside-out reverse flow air filter element (20) has a resiliently compressible molded lower end cap (48) having molded drainage surfaces including a molded raised central dome (72) shedding moisture radially outwardly and downwardly, a plurality of molded drainage holes (70, 74, 76, 78) spaced radially outwardly of and below the top of the central dome, and a plurality of radial segments (98, 100, 102, 104, 110, 112, 114, 116), an annular trough (80) and tapered slope surfaces (82, 84) providing desired drainage. A mold (130) has a plurality of upstanding segments (136, 138, 140, 142) having posts (144) and ramps (146) forming the drainage structure, and locator faces (152) engaging, guiding and locating the annular filter media (34) in the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Kelly R. Schmitz, Kent J. Kallsen, Jon S. Wake