Patents by Inventor William Contaxis

William Contaxis 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).

  • Patent number: 8246883
    Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a one-piece housing having a port and a filtration element disposed in the housing. The filtration element is a coherent filter block that can be larger in cross dimension than the port. The filtration element can be a coherent filter block that generally conforms to the shape of the hollow interior, but is slightly smaller than the hollow interior so as to define a gap between the filtration element and the inner surface. One method for constructing a filter cartridge includes providing a housing having a hollow interior and at least one port, introducing a granular material into the hollow interior via the port, and transforming the granular material in the hollow material into a coherent filter block. Another method for constructing a filter cartridge includes providing a filtration element in the form of a coherent filter block, and overmolding a housing around the filtration element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, William Contaxis, III, Karl J. Fritze, Mahesh Z. Patel
  • Publication number: 20110005988
    Abstract: Disclosed is a unique filter assembly for ensuring replacement cartridge compatibility in filtration systems having replaceable filter cartridges with lugged mounting systems. One representative filter assembly includes a representative cartridge member having a body portion for enclosing filter media and a neck portion depending therefrom. The representative neck portion of the representative cartridge includes at least one axial inlet port for directing unfiltered fluid into the body portion and at least one axial outlet port for directing filtered fluid out of the body portion. The representative neck portion also has at least two representative lugs depending radially outwardly therefrom, wherein at least one lug defines a keyed surface formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, William Contaxis, III, Bruce G. Taylor, David A. Carbo
  • Publication number: 20100288687
    Abstract: Disclosed is a unique filter assembly for ensuring replacement cartridge compatibility in filtration systems having replaceable filter cartridges with lugged mounting systems. One representative filter assembly includes a representative cartridge member having a body portion for enclosing filter media and a neck portion depending therefrom. The representative neck portion of the representative cartridge includes at least one axial inlet port for directing unfiltered fluid into the body portion and at least one axial outlet port for directing filtered fluid out of the body portion. The representative neck portion also has at least two representative lugs depending radially outwardly therefrom, wherein at least one lug defines a keyed surface formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, William Contaxis, III, Bruce G. Taylor, David A. Carbo
  • Patent number: 7763170
    Abstract: Disclosed is a unique filter assembly for ensuring replacement cartridge compatibility in filtration systems having replaceable filter cartridges with lugged mounting systems. One representative filter assembly includes a representative cartridge member having a body portion for enclosing filter media and a neck portion depending therefrom. The representative neck portion of the representative cartridge includes at least one axial inlet port for directing unfiltered fluid into the body portion and at least one axial outlet port for directing filtered fluid out of the body portion. The representative neck portion also has at least two representative lugs depending radially outwardly therefrom, wherein at least one lug defines a keyed surface formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, William Contaxis, III, Bruce G. Taylor, David A. Carbo
  • Publication number: 20090020470
    Abstract: Disclosed is a unique filter assembly for ensuring replacement cartridge compatibility in filtration systems having replaceable filter cartridges with lugged mounting systems. One representative filter assembly includes a representative cartridge member having a body portion for enclosing filter media and a neck portion depending therefrom. The representative neck portion of the representative cartridge includes at least one axial inlet port for directing unfiltered fluid into the body portion and at least one axial outlet port for directing filtered fluid out of the body portion. The representative neck portion also has at least two representative lugs depending radially outwardly therefrom, wherein at least one lug defines a keyed surface formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, William Contaxis, III, Bruce G. Taylor, David A. Carbo
  • Publication number: 20080237924
    Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a one-piece housing having a port and a filtration element disposed in the housing. The filtration element is a coherent filter block that can be, but is not necessarily, larger in cross dimension than the port. In one embodiment, the filtration element is a coherent filter block that generally conforms to the shape of the hollow interior, but is slightly smaller than the hollow interior so as to define a gap between the filtration element and the inner surface. One method for constructing a filter cartridge includes providing a housing having a hollow interior and at least one port, introducing a granular material into the hollow interior via the port, and transforming the granular material in the hollow material into a coherent filter block. Another method for constructing a filter cartridge includes providing a filtration element in the form of a coherent filter block, and overmolding a housing around the filtration element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, William Contaxis, Karl J. Fritze, Mahesh Z. Patel
  • Patent number: 7407148
    Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed for use in conjunction with a replaceable filter cartridge system. The valve assembly includes a head member having an interior valve chamber defining a central axis, and inlet and outlet passages extending parallel to and communicating with the interior valve chamber. The valve assembly further includes a valve member having an inlet path and an outlet path, adapted for rotation within the interior valve chamber of the head member between a filter position wherein the inlet path of the valve member is in communication with the inlet passage of the head member and a bypass position wherein the inlet path of the valve member is out of communication with the inlet passage of the head member. The valve assembly further includes a seal member seated in an upper surface of the valve member and positioned to seal against an opposing surface of the interior valve chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, William Contaxis, III, Brian Tubby
  • Publication number: 20060261000
    Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a one-piece housing having a port and a filtration element disposed in the housing. The filtration element is a coherent filter block that can be, but is not necessarily, larger in cross dimension than the port. In one embodiment, the filtration element is a coherent filter block that generally conforms to the shape of the hollow interior, but is slightly smaller than the hollow interior so as to define a gap between the filtration element and the inner surface. One method for constructing a filter cartridge includes providing a housing having a hollow interior and at least one port, introducing a granular material into the hollow interior via the port, and transforming the granular material in the hollow material into a coherent filter block. Another method for constructing a filter cartridge includes providing a filtration element in the form of a coherent filter block, and overmolding a housing around the filtration element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Inventors: Laurence Bassett, William Contaxis, Karl Fritze, Mahesh Patel
  • Patent number: 7135113
    Abstract: A filter assembly is disclosed including a cartridge member having a body portion and a cylindrical neck portion depending from the body portion, the neck portion having at least one lug depending radially outwardly therefrom having a keyed surface formation thereon, and a reception member defining an axial bore for receiving the neck portion of the cartridge member, the bore having at least one reception area provided therein for receiving the at least one lug, the reception area having a compatible mating surface formation defined therein for engaging the keyed surface formation on the lug so as to prevent engagement with an incompatible cartridge member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, William Contaxis, III, Bruce G. Taylor, David A. Carbo
  • Publication number: 20050252841
    Abstract: Disclosed is a unique filter assembly for ensuring replacement cartridge compatibility in filtration systems having replaceable filter cartridges with lugged mounting systems. One representative filter assembly includes a representative cartridge member having a body portion for enclosing filter media and a neck portion depending therefrom. The representative neck portion of the representative cartridge includes at least one axial inlet port for directing unfiltered fluid into the body portion and at least one axial outlet port for directing filtered fluid out of the body portion. The representative neck portion also has at least two representative lugs depending radially outwardly therefrom, wherein at least one lug defines a keyed engagement surface, a leading inclined cam surface and a trailing inclined cam surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: Laurence Bassett, William Contaxis, Bruce Taylor, David Carbo
  • Patent number: 6949189
    Abstract: Disclosed is a unique filter assembly for ensuring replacement cartridge compatibility in filtration systems having replaceable filter cartridges with lugged mounting systems. One representative filter assembly includes a representative cartridge member having a body portion for enclosing filter media and a neck portion depending therefrom. The representative neck portion of the representative cartridge includes at least one axial inlet port for directing unfiltered fluid into the body portion and at least one axial outlet port for directing filtered fluid out of the body portion. The representative neck portion also has at least two representative lugs depending radially outwardly therefrom, wherein at least one lug defines a keyed engagement surface, a leading inclined cam surface and a trailing inclined cam surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: CUNO Incorporated
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, William Contaxis, III, Bruce G. Taylor, David A. Carbo
  • Publication number: 20050067342
    Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed for use in conjunction with a replaceable filter cartridge system. The valve assembly includes a head member having an interior valve chamber defining a central axis, and inlet and outlet passages extending parallel to and communicating with the interior valve chamber. The valve assembly further includes a valve member having an inlet path and an outlet path, adapted for rotation within the interior valve chamber of the head member between a filter position wherein the inlet path of the valve member is in communication with the inlet passage of the head member and a bypass position wherein the inlet path of the valve member is out of communication with the inlet passage of the head member. The valve assembly further includes a seal member seated in an upper surface of the valve member and positioned to seal against an opposing surface of the interior valve chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Laurence Bassett, William Contaxis, Brian Tubby
  • Publication number: 20050040097
    Abstract: A filter cartridge configured to provide two or more levels of fluid filtration or conditioning from within a single filter cartridge is disclosed, the filter cartridge including a housing that defines an interior cavity and has an inlet portion for receiving fluid into the cavity, a first outlet portion for discharging fluid from the housing, and a second outlet portion for discharging fluid from the housing. The filter cartridge also includes a first stage filter disposed within the interior cavity for conditioning fluid passing therethrough, the first stage filter in fluid communication with the inlet portion and the first outlet portion by way of a first flow path, and a second stage filter disposed within the interior cavity of the housing for conditioning fluid passing therethrough, the second stage filter in fluid communication with the inlet portion and the second outlet portion by way of a second flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Inventors: Laurence Bassett, William Contaxis
  • Patent number: 6800200
    Abstract: A filter cartridge configured to provide two or more levels of fluid filtration or conditioning from within a single filter cartridge is disclosed, the filter cartridge including a housing that defines an interior cavity and has an inlet portion for receiving fluid into the cavity, a first outlet portion for discharging fluid from the housing, and a second outlet portion for discharging fluid from the housing. The filter cartridge also includes a first stage filter disposed within the interior cavity for conditioning fluid passing therethrough, the first stage filter in fluid communication with the inlet portion and the first outlet portion by way of a first flow path, and a second stage filter disposed within the interior cavity of the housing for conditioning fluid passing therethrough, the second stage filter in fluid communication with the inlet portion and the second outlet portion by way of a second flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Cuno Incorporated
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, William Contaxis, III
  • Publication number: 20040144710
    Abstract: Disclosed is a unique filter assembly for ensuring replacement cartridge compatibility in filtration systems having replaceable filter cartridges with lugged mounting systems. One representative filter assembly includes a representative cartridge member having a body portion for enclosing filter media and a neck portion depending therefrom. The representative neck portion of the representative cartridge includes at least one axial inlet port for directing unfiltered fluid into the body portion and at least one axial outlet port for directing filtered fluid out of the body portion. The representative neck portion also has at least two representative lugs depending radially outwardly therefrom, wherein at least one lug defines a keyed engagement surface, a leading inclined cam surface and a trailing inclined cam surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, William Contaxis, Bruce G. Taylor, David A. Carbo
  • Publication number: 20040144713
    Abstract: A filter assembly is disclosed including a cartridge member having a body portion and a cylindrical neck portion depending from the body portion, the neck portion having at least one lug depending radially outwardly therefrom having a keyed surface formation thereon, and a reception member defining an axial bore for receiving the neck portion of the cartridge member, the bore having at least one reception area provided therein for receiving the at least one lug, the reception area having a compatible mating surface formation defined therein for engaging the keyed surface formation on the lug so as to prevent engagement with an incompatible cartridge member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, William Contaxis, Bruce G. Taylor, David A. Carbo
  • Publication number: 20040129624
    Abstract: A combination filter element comprising a bundle of hollow microporous fibers housed within an extruded carbon block, wherein the carbon block is fabricated to balance particle retention capacity against absorption capacity to provide a composite filter with desirable pressure drop, filter life, and particulate and chemical contamination reduction, and a filtration device, in which combination filter element may be employed, having a base portion including a sump which has an inlet and an outlet and a base which has a reception port for receiving the filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hamlin, William Contaxis, Wei-Chi Chen, Laurence W. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20030196948
    Abstract: A filter cartridge configured to provide two or more levels of fluid filtration or conditioning from within a single filter cartridge is disclosed, the filter cartridge including a housing that defines an interior cavity and has an inlet portion for receiving fluid into the cavity, a first outlet portion for discharging fluid from the housing, and a second outlet portion for discharging fluid from the housing. The filter cartridge also includes a first stage filter disposed within the interior cavity for conditioning fluid passing therethrough, the first stage filter in fluid communication with the inlet portion and the first outlet portion by way of a first flow path, and a second stage filter disposed within the interior cavity of the housing for conditioning fluid passing therethrough, the second stage filter in fluid communication with the inlet portion and the second outlet portion by way of a second flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, William Contaxis
  • Publication number: 20030000884
    Abstract: A combination filter element comprising a bundle of hollow microporous fibers housed within an extruded carbon block, wherein the carbon block is fabricated to balance particle retention capacity against absorption capacity to provide a composite filter with desirable pressure drop, filter life, and particulate and chemical contamination reduction, and a filtration device, in which combination filter element may be employed, having a base portion including a sump which has an inlet and an outlet and a base which has a reception port for receiving the filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hamlin, William Contaxis, Wei-Chih Chen, Laurence W. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20020185425
    Abstract: A filter assembly is disclosed including a cartridge member having a body portion and a cylindrical neck portion depending from the body portion, the neck portion having at least one lug depending radially outwardly therefrom having a keyed surface formation thereon, and a reception member defining an axial bore for receiving the neck portion of the cartridge member, the bore having at least one reception area provided therein for receiving the at least one lug, the reception area having a compatible mating surface formation defined therein for engaging the keyed surface formation on the lug so as to prevent engagement with an incompatible cartridge member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, William Contaxis, Bruce G. Taylor, David A. Carbo